The functions of each organ of the gastrointestinal tract are given in the table below:
|
|
Name of the organ
|
Function
|
|
1.
|
Mouth
|
Ingestion of food.
|
|
2.
|
Tongue
|
Detecting different tastes of food; mixes saliva with food to form bolus; swallowing; speech
|
|
3.
|
Teeth
|
Masticates food into small particles.
Helps mix food with saliva.
|
|
4.
|
Pharynx
|
Prevents entry of food into respiratory system.
Passes food towards the oesophagus.
|
|
5.
|
Oesophagus
|
Smooth passage of food.
Pushes food towards stomach.
|
|
6.
|
Stomach
|
Stores food.
Mechanical churning and chemical digestion.
Partial digestion of proteins.
|
|
7.
|
Sphincters
|
Regulates passage of food.
|
|
8.
|
Small intestine
|
Digestion of food.
Absorption of nutrients
|
|
9.
|
Large intestine
|
Facilitates easy passage of undigested materials by secreting mucus.
|
|
10.
|
Rectum
|
Temporary storage of faecal matter
|
|
11.
|
Anus
|
Removal of undigested matter
|
