This chapter is about the digestive system, which processes food so that nutrients can be absorbed and utilized by the cells. It names the organs of the digestive system and describes their locations and functions (objectives 1 and 2). The structure, movement, and digestive mechanisms of the alimentary canal are explained (objectives 3, 4, 7, and 8). The function and regulation of the secretions of the digestive organs are introduced (objectives 5 and 6). This chapter also tells how nutrients are absorbed from the alimentary canal (objective 9).

Studying the digestive system will help you to understand how fuel is made available for metabolism.