Introduction

The acquisition of nutrients for maintaining the human body in homeostasis is via the alimentary canal (also known as the digestive system). This is sometimes referred to as the gastro intestinal tract although strictly speaking this term denotes the part of the alimentary canal from the bottom of the oesophagus (gullet) to the anus.

As food passes along this tract it is subject to 6 processes which result in the body maintaining adequate levels of nutrients in order to maintain homeostasis.

These are:

 

The main purpose of the first three is to render the food fit for absorption from which the remaining two processes can occur.

The upper part of the alimentary canal is  mainly involved in the first three components of the digestive process.

The function of the mouth and its associated structures is to form a receptacle for food, to begin mechanical digestion through chewing (mastication), to swallow food, and to form words in speech. It can also assist the respiratory system in the passage of air although it is not essential for this as long as the nasal passage is clear.

Sectional view of the buccal cavity

 

This page last updated Friday, 30 April 1999 10:45 +0100