Anatomy

Esophagus The esophagus is a strait tube about 25 centimeters long. Its function is to provide a passageway for substances from the pharynx to the stomach. It penetrates the diaphragm through an opening and is continuous with the stomach on the abdominal side. Circular muscle fibers at the distal end help prevent the regurgitation of food from the stomach. Liver The liver is located in the upper right and central portions of the abdominal cavity, just …

…The rate of mucus secretion is controlled by mechanical stimulation and parasympathetic impulses. The absorption into the large intestine is generally limited to water and electrolytes. Many bacteria inhabit the large intestine and may help the body by synthesizing certain vitamins. Stomach The stomach is divided into cardiac, fundic body, and pyloric regions. The stomach receives food, mixes it with gastric juice, carries on a limited amount of absorption, and moves food into small intestine.