Animal Anatomy & Physiology

Annotations:

• The digestion system is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients to feed the entire body.

1. Mouth

   Annotations:

   • Food begins its journey through the digestive system in the mouth, also known as the oral cavity. Inside the mouth are many accessory organs that aid in the digestion of food - the tongue, teeth, and salivary glands. Teeth chop food into small pieces, which are moistened by saliva before the tongue and other muscles push the food into the pharynx.
   1. Teeth

      Annotations:

      • The teeth are small organs found in the mouth. made of dentin and covered in enamel ... the hardest substance in the body. Teeth contain blood vessels and nerves under the dentin. The teeth are used to grind and cut food into small pieces.
   2. Tongue

      Annotations:

      • The tongue is located in the mouth and is made of several pairs of muscles covered in a thin, bumpy, skin-like layer. Te tongue aids in the breaking down and swallowing of food. 
   3. Salivary Glands

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      • Salivary glands aid in the digestion of food by producing saliva. Saliva helps moisten food and begins the digestion of carbohydrates. The body also uses saliva to help food pass through the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus
2. Pharynx

   Annotations:

   • The pharynx, or throat, is a funnel shaped tube connected to the back of the mouth. Its responsible for passing masses of chewed food from the mouth to the esophagus. The pharynx also plays an important role in the respiratory system, as air from the nasal cavity passes through it on its way to the larynx.