functions of alimentary canal

Structure that suspends the small intestine from the posterior body wall

mesentery

Fingerlike extensions of the intestinal mucosa that increase the surface area for absorption

villi

Large collections of lymphoid tissue found in the submucosa of the small intestine

Peyer’s patches

Deep folds of the mucosa and submucosa that extend completely or partially around the circumference of the small intestine

circular folds

Mobile organ that manipulates food in the mouth and initiates swallowing

tongue

Conduit for both air and food

pharynx

The "gullet"; no digestive/absorptive function

esophagus

Folds of the gastric mucosa

rugae

Pocketlike sacs of the large intestine

haustra

Projections of the plasma membrane of a mucosal epithelial cell

microvilli

Valve at the junction of the small and large intestines

ileocecal valve

Primary region of food and water absorption

small intestine

Membrane securing the tongue to the floor of the mouth

frenulum

Absorbs water and forms feces

Large intestine

Area between the teeth and lips/cheeks

oral vestibule

Wormlike sac that outpockets from the cecum

appendix

Initiates protein digestion

stomach

Structure attached to the lesser curvature of the stomach.

lesser omentum

Covers most of the abdominal organs like an apron

greater omentum

Valve controlling food movement from the stomach into the duodenum

pyloric valve

Posterior superior boundary of the oral cavity

soft palate

Region containing two sphincters through which feces are expelled from the body

anus

Bone-supported anterior superior boundary of the oral cavity

hard palate