2. The Mammalian Digestive System
The digestive system in mammals is
responsible for the chemical breakdown
of food and its absorption from the gut
Much of the food that we consume contains macromolecules that are too large to be absorbed and utilised by the body cells
Starch and protein are polymers and
lipids are large molecules
Polymers need to be broken down into their monomers and large molecules into smaller constituents, if absorption is to occur

3. The Mammalian Digestive System
Digestion is the process of breaking down large food molecules into smaller molecules that can be absorbed and used by body cells
In humans, hydrolytic enzymes are
responsible for the chemical digestion
of starch, protein and lipids
Hydrolytic enzymes (hydrolases) are
manufactured in various regions of the digestive system

4. The major organs of the alimentary canal are:
The Mammalian Digestive System
The organs of the digestive system are made up of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and accessory structures
The gastrointestinal tract or alimentary canal is a continuous tube running from the mouth to the anus
The major organs of the alimentary canal are:
The mouth
The oesophagus
The stomach
The small intestine (duodenum and ileum)
The large intestine (colon, rectum and anus)

5. Pancreas (in loop of duodenum)
Mouth
Salivary glands
Oesophagus
Stomach
Liver
Pancreas (in loop of duodenum)
Colon
Small intestine
(duodenum + ileum)
Rectum
Anus

6. The Stomach & Duodenum Outlined on a Barium Meal X-Ray

7. The Stomach & Intestine Outlined on a Barium Meal X-Ray
Oesophagus
Stomach
Intestine