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This lesson will describe the structure, including the four layers, of the digestive tract.
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Source: Stomach Layers; Public Domain: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Illu_stomach2.jpg
Technically is called the alimentary canal, the digestive tract consists of the organs that perform the main functions of the digestive system: ingestion, digestion, absorption, and excretion. The organs of the digestive tract are the: mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon (large intestine), rectum and anus.
The name used to describe the hollow part of a hollow/tubular organ.
The mucous membranes of the alimentary canal, this is the layer of tissue of the alimentary canal that is in direct contact with its lumen.
The outermost layer of tissue of the alimentary canal that produces and secretes a watery secretion to reduce friction while digestive organs are moving.
The tissue layer of the alimentary canal that controls its muscular movements, also called the muscularis.
Sphincters are muscles that control the openings between organs; sphincters control what enters and exits various organs.
The layer of tissue just below the mucosa, the submucosa contains glands that secrete onto the mucosa and well as capillaries and lymph vessels.
