2.26 describe the structures of the human alimentary canal and describe the functions of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and pancreas

Alimentary canal: The passage along which food passes through the body from mouth to anus during digestion

The mouth: Mechanical digestion (chewing) mixes with saliva so enzymes can begin to break down food (amylase)

The oesophagus: Tube connecting mouth and stomach. Next to the trachea: peristalsis- a wave of muscular contractions that moves food downwards

The stomach: Produces and secretes substances need for digestion (stomach acid). Churning mechanically digests while enzymes do so chemically. Stomach acid kills bacteria and lowers the pH so enzymes can work

Small intestine: Absorbs minerals and nutrients (digested molecules) into the bloodstream. Villi cover the insides giving it a larger surface area in which molecules can diffuse through into the blood

Large intestine: Absorbs water from undigested food: producing faeces

Pancreas: Produces enzymes (lipase, amylase and protease) needed for digestion