Abstract
Abstract The functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are digestion and absorption of food, and elimination of waste as faeces. After ingestion, food passes down the oesophagus and is temporarily stored in the stomach, where it is mixed with digestive juices and broken down into small particles. It then passes through the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, large intestine, and finally the rectum and anal canal (Fig. 11.1). During its passage through the tract it is mixed with saliva, gastric juice, bile, and pancreatic juice, and other enzymes which are secreted by the small bowel. The digested food particles are thus absorbed and further metabolized in the liver, which is involved in storage and breakdown of many metabolic products.
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