- 4- The human digestive system consists of an alimentary canal and accessory organs
- 5- Digestion begins in the oral cavity
- 6- After swallowing, peristalsis moves food through the esophagus to the stomach
- 7- Connection: The heimlich maneuver can save lives
- 8- The stomach stores food and breaks it down with acid and enzymes
- 9- Connection: Digestive ailments include acid reflux and gastric ulcers
- 10- The small intestine is the major organ of chemical digestion and nutrient absorption
- 11- The liver processes and detoxifies blood from the intestines
- 12- The large intestine reclaims water and compacts the feces
- 13- Evolution Connection: Evolutionary adaptations of vertebrate digestive systems relate to diet