Introduction

The digestive tract is a hollow tube that extends from the mouth to the anus. It is also called the gastrointestinal tract or the alimentary canal.

The digestive tract produces a variety of endocrine secretions that are essential to the normal break down (digestion) of food into particles small and simple enough to be absorbed by cells of the body. Every cell requires a constant supply of nutrients and energy, and food is their only source.

Structures of the digestive tract include:

Accessory organs include:

This page was updated in December 2005.