In secretion, lubricants, enzymes, and detergents are produced 3. In digestion, large molecules are broken down into their component building blocks 4. The vertebrate digestive tract consists of five specialized divisions 1. The mouth and the throat are the initial site of food entry a. Salivary glands secrete enzymes like amylase which hydrolyzes the polysaccharides into shorter fragments ii.
Mammalian jaws allow horizontal movement for grinding food between molars and premolars ii.
Cheek and tongue muscles provide the suction needed for nursing and food manipulation of the bolus into the back of the throat, or pharynx iii. Mammals with different types of diets differ in the specialization of their teeth and mouth parts 2. The esophagus and stomach are next and are sometimes referred to as the foregut a. Sphincters surrounding the opening of the airway and the esophagus, directing the bolus to the digestive tract i. The epiglottis covers the closed sphincter at the entrance to the airway when swallowing ii. Muscles for breathing are also inhibited iii.