alimentary canal
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The digestive tract: A continuous, hollow tube in the body that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. Its primary functions are the ingestion, digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste.
Usage
- The term "alimentary canal" is used in biological and medical contexts to describe the complete system of organs involved in processing food.
- It is a formal, anatomical term. In more general contexts, people might use terms like "digestive tract" or "gut."
Examples
- Noun:
- Food travels through the alimentary canal, where it is broken down and absorbed.
- The doctor explained how an infection can affect the entire alimentary canal.
Advanced Usage
- "The entire alimentary canal": Emphasizes the full length of the system from start to finish.
- The contrast dye allowed the X-ray to show the entire alimentary canal.
Variants and Related Words
- Gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) (n): A very similar term often used interchangeably with "alimentary canal," though it sometimes specifically refers to the stomach and intestines.
- Digestive tract (n): A common synonym.
- Gut (n): A less formal term for the intestines, often used to refer to the lower part of the alimentary canal.
Synonyms
- Digestive tube: Another term for the continuous passage.
- Enteron: A technical term for the alimentary canal.
Related Phrases
- Alimentary canal mucosa: Refers to the mucous membrane lining the canal.
- The alimentary canal mucosa secretes enzymes and mucus.
Notes
- The alimentary canal includes specific organs such as the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
- It is distinct from accessory digestive organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, which aid digestion but are not part of the continuous tube.
Noun
- tubular passage of mucous membrane and muscle extending about 8.3 meters from mouth to anus; functions in digestion and elimination