Large intestineThe large intestine, also known as the large bowel, is the last part of the gastrointestinal tract and of the digestive system in tetrapods. Water and salts are absorbed here and the remaining waste material is stored in the rectum as feces before being removed by defecation. Although it is shorter than the small intestine, it is called the large intestine because it is wider in diameter.
PeristalsisPeristalsis ( , US also ) is a type of gut motility, characterized by radially symmetrical contraction and relaxation of muscles that propagate in a wave down a tube, in an direction. Peristalsis is progression of coordinated contraction of involuntary circular muscles, which is preceded by a simultaneous contraction of the longitudinal muscle and relaxation of the circular muscle in the lining of the gut.
Small intestineThe small intestine or small bowel is an organ in the gastrointestinal tract where most of the absorption of nutrients from food takes place. It lies between the stomach and large intestine, and receives bile and pancreatic juice through the pancreatic duct to aid in digestion. The small intestine is about 6.5 metres (21 feet) long and folds many times to fit in the abdomen.
Gastrointestinal tractThe gastrointestinal tract (also called the GI tract, digestive tract, gut and the alimentary canal) is the tract or passageway of the digestive system that leads from the mouth to the anus. The tract is one of the largest of the body's systems. The GI tract contains all the major organs of the digestive system, in humans and other animals, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.ChymeChyme or chymus (; from Ancient Greek (khumós)'juice') is the semi-fluid mass of partly digested food and digestive secretions that is formed in and expelled by the stomach, through the pyloric valve, into the duodenum (the beginning of the small intestine), where it is further transformed. Chyme also contains cells from the mouth and esophagus that slough off from the mechanical action of chewing and swallowing.
EsophagusVertebrate organ through which food passes to the stomachUpper and lower human gastrointestinal tractThe esophagus (American English) or oesophagus (British English) ( ), also known as the gullet, is an organ in vertebrates through which food passes, aided by peristaltic contractions, from the pharynx to the stomach.
Gastrointestinal physiologyGastrointestinal physiology is the branch of human physiology that addresses the physical function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The function of the GI tract is to process ingested food by mechanical and chemical means, extract nutrients and excrete waste products. The GI tract is composed of the alimentary canal, that runs from the mouth to the anus, as well as the associated glands, chemicals, hormones, and enzymes that assist in digestion.
Anatomical terms of locationStandard anatomical terms of location are used to describe unambiguously the anatomy of humans and other animals. The terms, typically derived from Latin or Greek roots, describe something in its standard anatomical position. This position provides a definition of what is at the front ("anterior"), behind ("posterior") and so on. As part of defining and describing terms, the body is described through the use of anatomical planes and axes.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.