Human digestive system
The process of breaking down large insoluble food fragments into smaller and water-soluble particles, which can be easily absorbed by the blood plasma is termed as digestion. All parts of the body are involved in the uptake and digestion of food along with the elimination of undigested material constitute from the digestive system.
Alimentary canal
The alimentary canal is mainly referred to as the pathway by which food enters our body. It is a tube-like structure which starts from the mouth and ends at the large intestine. The alimentary canal plays a primary role in the human digestion process and is also termed as the digestive tract.

Role of Alimentary Canal in Digestion
Organs of the Alimentary Canal
The main organs of the alimentary canal are:
The Mouth and Oral cavity.
Esophagus.
Stomach.
Small intestine.
Large intestine.
The structure and functions of these organs are discussed below.
Human digestive organs
Large intestine
A human digestive system which is also known as the alimentary canal is a muscular tube which extends from the mouth to the anus. The parts of the human digestive system include – mouth, oral cavity, teeth, esophagus, pharynx, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.
Also, read about the Process of Digestion
Mouth
The mouth is the opening through which the intake of food occurs.
Oral cavity
The oral cavity has three parts –the palate, tongue, and teeth.
Palate -It forms the roof of the oral cavity. The anterior part is called hard palate and the posterior part is called soft palate.
Tongue -Tongue is a muscular and glandular structure attached to the base of the oral cavity. On the upper surface, it has a V-shaped furrow called sulcus terminalis. It divides the tongue into the anterior oral part and posterior pharyngeal part. Its upper surface also consists of tiny projections called lingual papillae. Lingual papillae are of three kinds in humans-
(i)Vallate or circumvallate papillae -have gustatory receptors to sense taste
(ii) Filiform papillae- smallest and contain touch receptors.
(iii) Fungi-form papillae- Rounded and mostly present at the tip of the tongue.
Teeth
Humans are diphyodont i.e. they have two sets of teeth- milk or deciduous and permanent teeth. Here is the list of different types of teeth in humans with their functions.
Type of teeth
Type of teeth Function
Incisors Used for cutting
Canines Used for tearing
Premolars Used for Chopping
Molars Used for Grinding and Chewing
Structure of a tooth
Structure of a tooth
The structure of the tooth consists of three parts- the crown, neck, and root. The exposed part of the tooth is called the crown, the region where it is covered with gums is known as neck and root is embedded in the socket of the jaw bone.
Pharynx
It forms the common passage for food and air.
Esophagus
It is a muscular tube through which small bolus of food passes from the mouth to the stomach. It is sharply bent at the point at which it meets the stomach. This prevents the backward movement of food from the stomach into it. Food in the digestive tract moves by an involuntary movement of alternate contraction and relaxation of muscles called peristalsis.
Stomach
It is a muscular bag which has three parts- cardiac part, fundus, and body.
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