"The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract, digestive tract, alimentary canal) is the tract or passageway of the digestive system that leads from the mouth to the anus."
This involves the study of the structure and organization of the digestive system's organs and tissues visible to the naked eye, such as the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Tissues and Cells: The building blocks of the body and their functions.
Gross Anatomy: The study of the structure of the body and the relationship between its parts.
Histology: The study of the structure and function of tissues.
Anatomical Terminology: The language and terms used to describe the location and function of body parts.
Body Cavities: The spaces within the body that contain and protect internal organs.
Muscles: The muscle groups in the body and their function.
Bones: The structure and function of bones in the body.
Joints: The types of joints and their anatomical functions.
Nerves: The functions of nerves in the body and their relationship to the rest of the body.
Blood Vessels: The structure and function of the cardiovascular system and its relationship to other body systems.
Lymphatic System: The structure and function of the lymphatic system and its relationship to other body systems.
Respiratory System: The structure and function of the respiratory system and its relationship to other body systems.
Digestive System: The structure and function of the digestive system and its relationship to other body systems.
Urinary System: The structure and function of the urinary system and its relationship to other body systems.
Endocrine System: The structure and function of the endocrine system and its relationship to other body systems.
Reproductive System: The structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems and their relationship to other body systems.
Oral Anatomy: The study of the structures and functions of the mouth and teeth, involved in the initial stages of digestion and nutrient acquisition.
Oropharyngeal Anatomy: The study of the structures and functions of the oral cavity and pharynx, involved in the swallowing process.
Esophageal Anatomy: The study of the structures and functions of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach.
Gastric Anatomy: The study of the structures and functions of the stomach, where food is broken down and further digested.
Intestinal Anatomy: The study of the structures and functions of the small and large intestines, where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Hepatic Anatomy: The study of the structures and functions of the liver, which produces bile that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.
Biliary Anatomy: The study of the structures and functions of the bile ducts and gallbladder, which store and release bile into the small intestine.
Pancreatic Anatomy: The study of the structures and functions of the pancreas, which secretes digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.
Colonic Anatomy: The study of the structures and functions of the colon, where water and electrolytes are reabsorbed and fecal matter is stored.
Rectal Anatomy: The study of the structures and functions of the rectum, which stores and expels fecal matter from the body.
"The GI tract contains all the major organs of the digestive system, in humans and other animals, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines."
"Food taken in through the mouth is digested to extract nutrients and absorb energy, and the waste expelled at the anus as faeces."
"Exceptions are more primitive ones: sponges have small pores (ostia) throughout their body for digestion and a larger dorsal pore (osculum) for excretion, comb jellies have both a ventral mouth and dorsal anal pores."
"The human gastrointestinal tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, and is divided into the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts."
"The GI tract includes all structures between the mouth and the anus, forming a continuous passageway that includes the main organs of digestion, namely, the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine."
"The complete human digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract plus the accessory organs of digestion (the tongue, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder)."
"The whole human GI tract is about nine metres (30 feet) long at autopsy."
"It is considerably shorter in the living body because the intestines, which are tubes of smooth muscle tissue, maintain constant muscle tone in a halfway-tense state but can relax in spots to allow for local distention and peristalsis."
"The gastrointestinal tract contains the gut microbiota, with some 1,000 different strains of bacteria having diverse roles in maintenance of immune health and metabolism, and many other microorganisms."
"Cells of the GI tract release hormones to help regulate the digestive process."
"These digestive hormones, including gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin, and ghrelin, are mediated through either intracrine or autocrine mechanisms."
"[...] indicating that the cells releasing these hormones are conserved structures throughout evolution."
"Gastrointestinal is an adjective meaning of or pertaining to the stomach and intestines."
"The tract may also be divided into foregut, midgut, and hindgut, reflecting the embryological origin of each segment."
"The gastrointestinal tract contains the gut microbiota, with some 1,000 different strains of bacteria having diverse roles in maintenance of immune health and metabolism, and many other microorganisms."
"[...] having diverse roles in maintenance of immune health and metabolism."
"The complete human digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract plus the accessory organs of digestion (the tongue, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder)."
"[...] can relax in spots to allow for local distention and peristalsis."
"Food taken in through the mouth is digested to extract nutrients and absorb energy [...]"