Human alimentary canal

Alimentary canal is the passage along which food passes for digestion. It is also known as the gastrointestinal tract and extends from mouth to anus.

Alimentary Canal

• Parts of alimentary canal from anterior end to posterior end
  

• Buccal Cavity (oral cavity)
   

   
   

  • Dental formula of adult human − 

  • Enamel forming hard surface of teeth is the hardest substance of human body. It helps in mastication of food.

  • Tongue − Attaches to floor of buccal cavity by frenulum and bears projections called papillae, which in turn bear taste buds

• Pharynx

  • Oesophagus (food pipe) and trachea (wind pipe) both open into pharynx.

  • Entry of food into glottis (the opening of trachea) is prevented by epiglottis (a cartilaginous flap).

• Oesophagus

  • This thin, long tube leads to stomach.

  • Gastro-oesophageal sphincter regulates oesophagus opening into stomach.

• Stomach

  • Location − upper left part of abdominal cavity

  • Three parts of stomach:

    • Cardiac − where oesophagus opens

    • Fundic − where food rests and undergoes digestion

    • Pyloric − which opens into duodenum

• Small Intestine
  

  • Pyloric sphincter guards opening of stomach into duodenum.

• Large Intestine