alimentary canal | Britannica.com Alimentary canal THIS ARTICLE IS A STUB. You can learn more about this topic in the related articles below. Alternative Titles: alimentary tract, digestive tract, gastrointestinal tract, gut Similar Topics Alimentary canal, also called digestive tract, pathway by which food enters the body and solid wastes are expelled. The alimentary canal includes the mouth , pharynx , esophagus , stomach , small intestine , large intestine , and anus . See digestion . The human digestive system as seen from the front. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. digestion (biology) sequence by which food is broken down and chemically converted so that it can be absorbed by the cells of an organism and used to maintain vital bodily functions. This article summarizes the chemical actions of the digestive process. For details on the anatomy and physiology for specific digestive... mouth in human anatomy, orifice through which food and air enter the body. The mouth opens to the outside at the lips and empties into the throat at the rear; its boundaries are defined by the lips, cheeks, hard and soft palates, and glottis. It is divided into two sections: the vestibule, the area...

pharynx cone-shaped passageway leading from the oral and nasal cavities in the head to the esophagus and larynx. The pharynx chamber serves both respiratory and digestive functions. Thick fibres of muscle and connective tissue attach the pharynx to the base of the skull and surrounding structures. Both... esophagus relatively straight muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. The esophagus can contract or expand to allow for the passage of food. Anatomically, it lies behind the trachea and heart and in front of the spinal column; it passes through the muscular diaphragm before... stomach saclike expansion of the digestive system, between the esophagus and the small intestine; it is located in the anterior portion of the abdominal cavity in most vertebrates. The stomach serves as a temporary receptacle for storage and mechanical distribution of food before it is passed into the... small intestine a long, narrow, folded or coiled tube extending from the stomach to the large intestine; it is the region where most digestion and absorption of food takes place.

It is about 6.7 to 7.6 metres (22 to 25 feet) long, highly convoluted, and contained in the central and lower abdominal cavity. A thin... in human nervous system: Enteric nervous system The enteric nervous system is composed of two plexuses, or networks of neurons, embedded in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. The outermost plexus, located between the inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth-muscle layers of the gut, is called the Auerbach, or myenteric, plexus. Neurons of this plexus regulate peristaltic waves that move digestive products from the oral to the anal... in radiation: Gastrointestinal tract The response of the gastrointestinal tract is comparable in many respects to that of the skin. Proliferating cells in the mucous membrane that lines the tract are easily killed by irradiation, resulting in the denudation and ulceration of the mucous membrane. If a substantial portion of the small intestine is exposed rapidly to a dose in excess of 10 Gy, as may occur in a radiation accident, a... in human digestive system the system used in the human body for the process of digestion.

The human digestive system consists primarily of the digestive tract, or the series of structures and organs through which food and liquids pass during their processing into forms absorbable into the bloodstream. The system also consists of the structures through which wastes pass in the process of elimination and other organs that... in animal development: The alimentary canal The alimentary canal is the chief organ developing from endoderm. The way it forms depends on the type of egg cleavage. In eggs with holoblastic (complete) cleavage, after gastrulation the invaginated mass of endoderm lines the archenteron, the cavity of which becomes the alimentary canal, or gut. In eggs with meroblastic (partial) cleavage—and also in mammals (despite their complete... in animal: Digestion The structure of a digestive system reflects its typical diet. Its purpose is to process food only to the point at which it can be transported to other cells for use as either fuel or structural material. In the simplest animals, such as sponges or some coelenterates, digestion is entirely intracellular, and some of the products of digestion are transported to nondigestive cells. As animals...

in echinoderm: Alimentary and blood systems The digestive canal consists of a tube, which is almost straight (asteroids and ophiuroids), coiled in a clockwise direction (crinoids and holothurians), or coiled first clockwise, then counterclockwise (echinoids). The tube may be divided into esophagus, stomach, intestine, and rectum. Specialized branches of the digestive tube enlarge the digestive surface and may serve other functions; e.g.,... in crustacean: The digestive system The gut (digestive tract) is usually direct in its passage through the body and is coiled in only a few water fleas of the order Anomopoda. The foregut shows the greatest range of structure; in some crustacean species it is a simple tube, but in decapods it reaches great complexity in forming a chitinized structure called the gastric mill. This consists of a series of calcified plates, or...

in malacostracan: Digestion and nutrition The digestive tract of malacostracans consists of a mouth; an esophagus; a two-chambered foregut; a midgut with outpocketings called digestive glands, or hepatopancreas; and a hindgut, or rectum. The large anterior foregut, or cardiac stomach, occupies much of the posterior aspect of the head and the anterior thoracic body cavity. A constriction separates it from the smaller, more ventral,... in tuberculosis (TB): Other mycobacterial infections ...it causes caseation of the node tissue (a condition formerly known as scrofula). The node swells under the skin of the neck, finally eroding through the skin as a chronic discharging ulcer. From the gastrointestinal tract, M. bovis may spread into the bloodstream and reach any part of the body. It shows, however, a great preference for bones and joints, where it causes... in human body: Basic form and development The body wall forms the cylinder. The two tubes are the ventrally located alimentary canal (i.e., the digestive tract) and the dorsally located neural tube (i.e., the spinal cord).

Between the tubes lies the rod—the notochord in the embryo, which becomes the vertebral column prior to birth. (The terms dorsal and ventral refer respectively to the back and the front, or belly, of an... in tissue: Animals ...i.e., the assimilation, storage, transport, and excretion of nutrients and waste products. In humans, these tissues include the alimentary (or digestive) tract, kidneys, liver, and lungs. The digestive tract leads (in vertebrates) from the mouth through the pharynx, stomach, and intestines to the anus. In vertebrates and some larger invertebrates, oxygen and the nutrients secured by the... in cystic fibrosis (CF) an inherited metabolic disorder, the chief symptom of which is the production of a thick, sticky mucus that clogs the respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract. Cystic fibrosis was not recognized as a separate disease until 1938 and was then classified as a childhood disease because mortality among afflicted infants and children was high. However, by the mid-1980s, more than half of all... in malabsorption test ...medical procedures used to diagnose abnormalities associated with poor absorption of nutrients.

Malabsorption of nutrients can result from surgical alterations or physiological disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, the removal of a significant portion of the bowel can cause a malabsorption condition known as short-bowel syndrome. In addition, diffuse mucosal disease, such as... diagram human alimentary canal diagram to label | Diabetes Inc. Contact Us diagram human alimentary canal diagram to label Human digestive system the alimentary canal, nutrition, It is the portion of the alimentary canal after the mouth. it is a cavity common to air and food.. Label lungs diagram printout – enchantedlearning.com, Read the definitions below, then label the lung anatomy diagram.. Alimentary canal | encyclopedia britannica, Pathway by which food enters the body and solid wastes are expelled. the alimentary canal includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large. Ear diagram – human body pictures & images – science for kids, Find free pictures, photos, diagrams, images and information related to the human body right here at science kids. photo name: ear diagram picture category: human body. Human gastrointestinal tract – wikipedia, the free, "intestine" and "alimentary canal" redirect here.

for the animal alimentary canal in general, see gut (anatomy).. Human ear diagram – buzzle, Human ear diagram wondering what is the structure of the human ear, and how the ear performs the function of hearing? look no further, this article will explain to. Human digestive system | clipart etc, This human anatomy clipart gallery offers 240 illustrations of the human digestive system. this includes views of the gastrointestinal tract and organs involved in. Alimentary canal facts, information, pictures, Get information, facts, and pictures about alimentary canal at encyclopedia.com. make research projects and school reports about alimentary canal easy with credible. What are the different parts of alimentary canal in human, Oral cavity. the upper portion of alimentary canal is mouth. it is bounded by lips and contains cheeks, gums, teeth, tongue and muscles. the teeth in the mouth chew. Essential Formulas Incorporated - Glossary Antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Alimentary canal The mucous membrane-lined pathway by which food enters the body, digestion takes place, and solid wastes are expelled. The alimentary canal includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus.

Allergy Hypersensitivity of the body's immune system in response to exposure to specific substances (antigens), such as drugs or vaccines, resulting in pathological conditions in predisposed people. Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other organisms, including protozoa, parasites, and fungi. Antibiotic resistance A type of drug resistance where a microorganism is able to survive exposure to an antibiotic. Antifungal Any agent that destroys or prevents the growth of fungi. Antimicrobial Capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. Antioxidants Antioxidants are molecules which can interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged/ Antiviral Any drug or other agent that interferes with the life cycle of a virus and suppresses its replication and/or pathogenic activity. Artepillin C Artepillin C is the major compound in the Brazilian green propolis from Baccharis dracunculiforia. It is a potent antioxidant and immune modulator.

Astaxanthin A red carotenoid from seaweed that produces a highly absorbent ester form capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to deliver anti-oxidant benefits and help promote normal inflammatory response though out the entire bodythroughout the entire body. It is one of the most complete antioxidant and anti-inflammatory natural substances known to scientists. B Lynphocytes</p> Immune cells that play a large role in humoral immune response. The principle functions of B cells are to make antibodies (IgA, IgG and IgM) that attack foreign molecules and the germs and toxins they produce. Bacteriocins A peptide produced by some strains of bacteria which inhibits the growth of, or kills, other bacteria. Bifidobacterium strains Common in the natural flora of human and animal digestive systems. As probiotics, they stimulate the immune system, aid in digestion, and assist in the absorption of food ingredients and nutrients. They are also capable of synthesizing some vitamins. Bifidobacterium breve The most common Bifidobacterium in infants but remains in the gut throughout adulthood. B. breve assists in the production of the natural antibiotic called “lactobrevin”.

It tolerates bile avid well thereby surviving its trip through the digestive system. Bifidobacterium infantis This bacterium is important because it has proven to stimulate the production of such immune agents as cytokines. Bifidobacterium longum Found in high concentrations in the large intestine, it helps prevent the colonization of invading pathogenic bacteria by attaching the the intestinal wall and crowding out unfriendly bacteria and yeasts. Bile An alkaline fluid secreted by the liver and stored in the gall bladder. It is discharged during digestion into the duodenum, where it aids in the digestion of fats. Bioavailability The ability of a drug or other chemical to be taken up by the body and made available in the tissue where it is needed. Biogenic Beneficial components, which are produced outside the host (for instance, in fermentation vats), along with the proliferation of living beneficial bacteria, through similar decomposition and fermentation by various microorganisms. Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) The specialized system of capillary endothelial cells that protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood stream, while supplying the brain with the require nutrients for proper function. Bowel The part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus.

Brazilian Green Propolis Derived from the vegetation surrounding the bees’ hive the potency and composition of propolis depends highly on its regional source. Known as the “Gold Standard” of propolis, the best Brazilian propolis is referred to as “green propolis” due to its vivid color. BGP is found in the Minas Gerais region and is derived mostly from Alecrim (Baccharis dracunculiforia). BGP has the highest potency of Artepillin C, P-coumaric acid and Kaempferide. Broad-spectrum antibiotic An antibiotic with activity against a wide range of disease-causing bacteria. These are used when more than one strain of bacteria are involved in an illness or when the strain of bacteria causing the illness has proven resistant to other antibiotics. Chia Seed Oil Chia seed oil is a expelled and filtered liquid that derives from the chia seed. The high fat content of approximately 33.8 percent oil, the majority of it being beneficial fatty acids, has led to the popularity of chia seed oil as a dietary supplement. There are two chia plants, one native to Mexico, and another that is commonly grown in the U.S., Australia and Bolivia.

The seeds are harvested and pressed for their clear oil. Clostridium difficile Clostridium difficile is a strain of bacteria that is usually found in the gut flora. When the gut has proper bacterial balance, the presence of C. difficile does not result in disease. However, under conditions of dysbiosis, C. difficile can flourish and cause diarrhea and even colitis. Coenzyme Q10 A compound needed for the proper functioning of an enzyme, a protein that speeds up the rate at which chemical reactions take place in the body. Coenzyme Q10 is used to produce energy to fuel cell growth and maintenance and is thought to improve the function of mitochondria, the "powerhouses" that produce energy in cells. Colon The colon is the last part of the digestive system and starts with the first portion of the large intestine and extends to the rectum. It extracts water and salt from solid wastes before they are eliminated from the body. It is also the site in which bacteria-aided fermentation of unabsorbed material occurs. Colony Forming Units (CFUs) A measure of viable bacterial cells in a colony representing an aggregate of those cells derived from a single originating bacteria.

Culture The process by which bacterial cells are grown under controlled conditions. Digestion The process that transports ingested food through the digestive system to process and break it down into nutrients that can be absorbed, or turn it into waste material that can be eliminated. Digestive Enzymes Enzymes that break down polymeric macromolecules into their smaller building blocks, in order to facilitate their absorption by the body. Digestive enzymes are diverse and are found in the saliva secreted by the salivary glands, in the stomach secreted by cells lining the stomach, in the pancreatic juice secreted by pancreatic exocrine cells, and in the intestinal (small and large) secretions, or as part of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Duodenum The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine starting at the lower end of the stomach. The walls of the duodenum are highly convoluted to increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients. The duodenum is largely responsible for the breakdown of food in the small intestine, using enzymes. Dysbiosis Bacterial imbalance characterized by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Electrolytes Salts that conduct electricity when in solution; they are found in body fluids, in the tissues, and in the blood. Examples are chloride, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Proper balance of electrolytes is essential for muscle coordination, heart function, fluid absorption and excretion, nerve function and concentration. Enterococcus faecalis TH10 This strain was discovered by Dr. Iichiroh Ohhira, and was isolated from the Malaysian food Tempeh. This strain has been proven to be 6.25 stronger in proteolytic activity than any other known strain of lactic acid bacteria. Enterococcus faecalis TH10 has been found to produce compounds that help in multiple ways to promote a balanced microbiome and healthy gastrointestinal function. Epithelium Tissue composed of cells that line the cavities and surfaces of structures throughout the body. Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective absorption, protection, trans-cellular transport and selective permeability. Essential Fatty Acids Unsaturated fatty acids that the body cannot manufacture and that may cause nutritional deficiency if not supplied through the diet and or/ supplementation. EFA’s help cells release toxins and absorb nutrients.

The two dietary essentials are α-linolenic (Omega-3) and linoleic (Omega-6). Flax Oil Flax oil provides a high concentration of Omega-3 often lacking in modern diets, balances the common excess Omega-6 intake and acts as a base when synthesizing other fatty acids in the body. Flora The collective bacteria and other microorganisms that inhabit the outside or inside surfaces of people (or animals). There are three main floras in relation to the digestive system: the intestinal, the oral and the vaginal. Free radical An unstable molecule that causes oxidative damage by stealing electrons from surrounding molecules, thereby disrupting activity in the body's cells Gastrointestinal tract The stomach and intestinal tracts involved in digestion and the elimination of waste products. Gastroenterology The branch of medicine that studies the digestive system and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, which in clued the organs from the mouth to the anus. Gut This is another term for the digestive tract, which is the hollow tube that stretches from the mouth to the anus. Helicobacter pylori A gram-negative bacterium that can weaken the protective coating of the stomach, allowing digestive juices to irritate the sensitive stomach lining. H.

pylori is the bacteria responsible for most ulcers and many cases of stomach inflammation. Human Microbiome Project NIH sponsored project to study microorganisms present in or on five different parts of the human body using live volunteers. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) IgA is an antibody that plays a critical role in mucosal immunity. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) IgE is an antibody that is only found in mammals. All of us carry IgE in small amounts. Allergic persons, however, produce IgE in abnormal quantities. During the sensitization period in allergy, IgE is overproduced and reacts with cells that produce chemicals that cause inflammation and the typical allergic symptoms. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) The class of immunoglobulin normally present in largest amount in the blood. They are the smallest but most common antibody. IgG antibodies are very important in fighting bacterial and viral infections. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) The first antibody produced in response to an infection. They are found in the blood and lymph fluid. They also cause other immune system cells to destroy foreign substances. Inflammation The body’s response or reaction to infection, irritation or injury.

Inflammation is characterized by pain, redness, swelling and heat. It may be acute or chronic. The inflammatory response directs immune system components to the site of injury or infection. Lactobacillus organisms Normal inhabitants of the human mouth, intestine and vagina. Lactobacillus can also live in fermented products. They produce lactic acid in the digestive tract, which is vital for overall health. Some nutritional benefits gained from lactic acid include an improved nutritional value of food, control of intestinal infections, and control of serum cholesterol levels. L. acidophilus The most commonly known probiotic bacterium. It is found primarily in the small intestine where it produces natural antibiotics called “lactocidin” and “acidophilin”. These increase immune resistance against such harmful bacteria and fungi as Candida albicans, Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Lactobacillus brevis Important in the synthesis of vitamins D and K. Research studies have shown that L. brevis decreases intestinal permeability (leaky gut syndrome), improves intestinal micro flora, and has a positive effect on the intestinal immune system.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus A transient microorganism that roams throughout the GI tract providing an important protective role. L. bulgaricus assists in the metabolism of lipids and may help control cholesterol levels. Lactobacillus caseii Closely related to L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus. It secretes a substance called “peptidoglycan”, which supports the natural defenses of the body and stimulates immune responses in the intestinal tract Lactobacillus fermentum An anti microbial and anti-oxidative probiotic that is useful in protecting the vaginal area from vaginitis. Lactobacillus helveticus Stimulates the immune and digestive system, controls diarrhea, reduces lactose intolerance and inhibits unfriendly bacteria. L. helveticus enhances the recovery of gut atrophy induced by malnutrition. Lactobacillus plantarum L. plantarum has been studied for the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and for Candida yeast infections. The adherence of this bacterium reinforces the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa, thus preventing the attachment of the pathogenic bacteria. Microbe A microscopic organism that transmits disease.

Microbiome The group of associated microflora in a human. Microorganism A minute living organism, such as bacteria or viruses, that can only be seen under a microscope. Mucosa A moist layer of semi-permeable tissue that lines and protects particular organs and cavities throughout the body. Natural killer cells A cell that can react against and destroy another cell without prior sensitization to it. Natural killer (NK) cells are part of our first line of defense against virus-infected cells. Oligosaccharides Any group of carbohydrates consisting of a small number of simple sugar molecules; most commercial prebiotics are oligosaccharides. Oxidative Stress A form of stress on the body caused by the cumulative damage done by free radicals unopposed by antioxidants. p Coumaric Acid A phenolic acid, an organic compound that is a hydroxyl derivative of cinnamic acid, that has antioxidant properties. Parasite An organism that lives in or on a host and obtains nourishment from the host. Pathogen Any organism or substance, especially a microorganism, capable of causing disease, such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa or fungi.

Polyphenols Chemical substances found in plants that research indicates may have antioxidant characteristics with potential health benefits. Their contribution to the antioxidant capacity of the human diet is much greater than that of vitamins. Prebiotic Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and/or activity of bacteria in the digestive system which are beneficial to the health of the body Probiotic (American definition) Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. Probiotic (Japanese definition) Probiotics are viable microorganisms, when taken orally beneficially affect the host by improving the intestinal bacterial balance. Propolis Propolis is a natural protective antibiotic substance that bees apply throughout the interior of their hives. Flavonoid-rich, it is derived from plant and tree resins. Streptococcus thermophilus This organism is known to be efficient in breaking down lactose, a desirable trait for those who are lactose-intolerant. In addition, it stimulates the production of “cytokine” which are involved with the immune system. Synbiotic A dietary supplement that contains one or more prebiotics and probiotics that work synergistically.

T lymphocytes There are two types of T lymphocytes: helper T cells and killer T cells. Helper T cells do not attack invading micro-organisms but decide whether it is a threat and whether to stimulate the B cells to make antibodies. Killer T cells kill the body’s cells that have been invaded by the viruses or bacteria. This prevents the bug from reproducing in the cell and then infecting other cells. Tocopherols Vitamin E in water soluble form, extracted from vegetable oils. A powerful anti-oxidant that protect cell membranes against damaging effects of free radicals. Tocotrienols One of the two molecule groups that makes up Vitamin E and has great antioxidant properties Virus A microscopic infectious agent that is unable to live outside of a host; viruses cannot be killed by antibiotics. Vitamin D3 A vitamin produced by the body when exposed to ultraviolet light or obtained from dietary sources. Vitamin D3 is a hormone that has an important role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Vitamin E An important antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other fat-soluble parts of the body, such as LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), from damage. Several studies have reported that supplements of natural vitamin E help reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Yeast A single cell fungi used to leaven bread and also found in cheese and other fermented foods and beverages. Still have questions? Check out our Probiotic FAQ Page. Top alimentary canal labeled | Diabetes Inc. Contact Us alimentary canal labeled Alimentary canal | encyclopedia britannica, Pathway by which food enters the body and solid wastes are expelled. the alimentary canal includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large. The structure of the human alimentary canal – the mouth, Referat the structure of the human alimentary canal – the mouth, the stomach, the small intestine, the colon and rectum. Rumen – wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, The rumen, also known as a paunch, forms the larger part of the reticulorumen, which is the first chamber in the alimentary canal of ruminant animals.. Notes about each stage of the alimentary canal :, Transit through the alimentary canal (digestive system) the previous page identified the 4 basic stages of the. Hindgut – wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, The hindgut (or epigaster) is the posterior (caudal) part of the alimentary canal.

in mammals, it includes the distal third of the transverse colon and the splenic. Label lungs diagram printout – enchantedlearning.com, Label lungs anatomy diagram printout. enchantedlearning.com is a user-supported site. as a bonus, site members have access to a banner-ad-free version of the site. Digestive system in cockroach | tutorvista.com, Nutrition in cockroach is holozoic and it is an omnivore, feeding on different kinds of organic matter. it takes in pieces of food and has to grind them before. Immunology (by kuby) | munish k bansal – academia.edu, Academia.edu is a platform for academics to share research papers.. Human digestive system – enchantedlearning.com, The human digestive system is a complex series of organs and glands that processes food. in order to use the food we eat, our body has to break the food down into. Mary Roach - Coast to Coast AM Mary Roach Biography: Mary Roach is the author of Stiff: the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers and Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife. Prior to writing these books, she wrote columns, essays, and feature articles for several national publications.

Mary was a National Magazine Award Finalist in 1995, and in 1996 she took the American Engineering Association Media Award in the category General Interest Magazines. Mary is also a contributing editor at the science magazine Discover. Mary has always gravitated toward the peculiar, covering things like Eskimo food, killer bees, carrot addiction, and amputee bowling leagues. Websites: Natural Healing/ Science of War Monday June 13, 2016 In the first half, Dr. Joel Wallach discussed the human body and its ability to use natural healing without the risky drugs prescribed by modern medicine. In the latter half, author Mary Roach addressed her latest work exploring the science of keeping human beings... More » Host: George Noory Digestive System Stories Sunday April 14, 2013 Science writer Mary Roach discussed her research into the alimentary canal - the pathway by which food enters the body and solid wastes are expelled. In her new book, Gulp , she explores the digestive system from...

More » Host: Ian Punnett Science & Space/ Resolutions & Hypnosis Saturday December 11, 2010 In the first half of the program, author Mary Roach joined Ian to discuss why science matters and her research into space travel. In the latter half of the show, hypnotherapist Rick Collingwood talked about using hypnosis for New Year's Resolutions as well as the... More » Host: Ian Punnett Life in Space Saturday August 7, 2010 Author Mary Roach discussed what she learned about the difficulties of living in space and traveling to far off worlds while researching her new book, Packing for Mars . In the first half-hour, attorney Galen... More » Host: Ian Punnett Experiments with Mediums Tuesday November 29, 2005 Dr. Gary Schwartz returned to report on his studies of mediums, such as Allison DuBois (who is currently being fictionalized on the hit TV show Medium). DuBois first visited Schwartz telling him that "she sees dead people" and that her spirit guides told her to have her skills tested. Allison, along with two other mediums, Laurie Campbell and Mary Occhino, showed off their...

More » Host: George Noory Body Waste: Facts (Science Trek: Idaho Public Television) Body Waste: Facts Body Waste Your body uses food to keep it growing, learning and healthy. But what happens to the food and other materials you take in when your body is finished with it? Your body has a way of getting rid of excess materials, whether food matter, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, salt or waste. It is all taken care of by your body systems. These are a complex set of glands , organs , and processes that help to remove the waste materials from your body that are used up, created as a by-product , are no longer needed, or are extra. Your body systems include the kidneys, sweat glands, lungs and rectum. Your nose and eyes also excrete invading dust and foreign materials. Let's find out more . . . Body Waste: Urine Your body is 60% water. This water needs to be flushed out and replaced all of the time. In your body, the excretory system helps to keep salts and urea from building up to dangerous levels and becoming toxic. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that remove these toxins from your blood and produce urine to carry them from the body.

This waste then trickles down the ureters — thin tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder . Your bladder is a container for your urine that holds it there until you are ready to go to the bathroom. When you are ready to get rid of this waste, your body relaxes a small muscle and the urine travels down the urethra — another small tube — and out of your body. Drinking lots of water will help this system of your body to stay healthy and to work properly. The kidneys of a healthy adult can process fifteen liters of water a day. Body Waste: Carbon Dioxide Breathing is the job of the lungs. We take air into our body when we inhale . But air is made of a variety of gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide. We need oxygen , but we can not use the other gases. Dust and pollutants are also a part of the air we breathe. Our nose and throat help to filter out some of these particles so that they never make it to our lungs. Our cells make carbon dioxide as a waste product from the process of converting food to energy. That carbon dioxide — and some water vapor — are removed by the lungs when we breathe and exhale them back into the atmosphere.

Body waste: Excrement When we eat, our body begins to digest the food matter in our mouth. First we grind the food with our teeth, and then our saliva helps to dissolve certain parts of it. When we swallow, the food moves into our stomach where additional chemicals are added, and the food is turned into a sort of liquid like a milk shake called chyme (pronounced kime). This liquid passes into the small intestine , where the body adds special juices to digest fats and neutralize some of the acids that were created in the stomach. In the small intestine, a special hair-like lining known as villi absorb the liquid parts. Those liquid parts — the nutrients — pass directly into the blood and are taken to all your cells throughout your body. These nutrients feed your cells the food they need. Any left over solid parts of the food move into the large intestine. These solid parts of your food are the parts that you have no use for and are passed from your body when you go to the bathroom. The scientific word for this matter is excrement or feces . You probably call it poop. The entire trip from mouth to rectum can take about 24 hours in the average person.

Body waste: Earwax Our ear canal is a tunnel to the outside world. Dirt and grime can get into this passage. So our bodies have a way to capture this unwanted material. Earwax does the trick. It is a sticky product called cerumen that is created by a gland just inside the ear. Cerumen keeps the skin of the ear canal moist and prevents infections. Sometimes this earwax leaves the body. This helps remove the unwanted dirt and germs. Never stick your finger or other objects inside your ear. Leave it alone and let your body do its own work. It is possible to push the wax further into the canal, injure your eardrum, or scratch the ear canal. Body waste: Nasal Discharge Your nose is also a path for the germs and dust that can enter your body. Nasal discharge (snot) is a way for your body to remove unwanted debris . Sometimes you sneeze or blow your nose to help your body with this job. If you see dirt in your nasal discharge, you do not need to worry. On rare occasions, you might even find an eyelash. Still no worries. This is very normal.

If your nasal discharge is an unusual color such as green you should see your doctor, as this may be a sign of an infection . Body waste: Tears Tears are another way for your body to clean unwanted things from your body. Dirt and other objects can get into your eye, especially when the wind blows. Your eyes naturally create tears to keep your eyes moist and to remove other matter that could irritate your eyeballs. Even smells like onion juice can bring on the tears. Body waste: Sweat When your body gets too hot — and even sometimes when you get nervous — your body can sweat. The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that regulates your body temperature. When the hypothalamus gives the signal, the sweat glands in your skin begin to make sweat. Sweat is also called perspiration and is made from waste in your body. Sweat contains urea, salts, sugars, and ammonia . It moves from the sweat glands onto the surface of your skin, and as the air moves across your skin the sweat evaporates and cools off your body. If you sweat a lot, you will need to make sure to replace the moisture that evaporates from your skin by drinking lots of water, especially on a really hot day.

Sometimes sweat can give off an offensive odor. Other people might notice it and politely avoid you. To keep from being all by yourself, you may want to use some deodorant or antiperspirant . These are products that help to keep perspiration and smell to a minimum. Be sure to check with your parents to help select what is best for you. Body waste: Gas Millions of tiny little bacteria live in your intestine. They are there to help your body break down the food and allow you to get the most benefit from it. But the unfortunate part of these helpful little guys is that they create a sometimes smelly by-product when they work. They are perfect gas makers. This gas, also called flatus , can escape out of the mouth in a burp. Some burps sneak out in a tiny little hiccup. Other times a burp can explode without warning. Be sure to cover your mouth whenever a burp tries to escape. When the gas moves its way through the intestine and escapes from the rectum, it can be known as flatulence or a fart. That can also be quiet or loud.

It is usually the smellier of the two ways to escape the body because it has stayed inside your digestive system working and building up for a longer period of time. If you feel one of those coming on, excuse yourself to the restroom where you can handle it in privacy. No one even needs to know . . . well, except you. Sorry, head for fresh air next!! Body waste: Vomit Sometimes your stomach wants to get rid of its contents. Maybe it is because you ate something that was spoiled or too spicy or you just ate too much. But sometimes it is because you have taken on a virus or germ that is irritating your stomach. Whenever your stomach needs to get rid of what is bothering it, the brain sends a message and then the stomach muscles squeeze together to push out the food. The food comes up past the stomach, out through the esophagus and into the mouth. Your food is often strange in color, and smells and tastes bad coming back out. Vomit can contain bile from the intestines, stomach acid, and rotten food which is partly digested. You may not feel well for several days or you may feel fine as soon as the problem is gone.

Be sure to drink extra water to replace moisture you may have thrown up. It will help you to feel better faster. Body waste: Pus Pus seems like a gross, gooey and disgusting material that sometimes oozes from a cut or scratch. But really, pus is a good sign that your body is fighting against infection. Pus contains dead skin cells, dead bacteria, white blood cells and debris that your body is removing to make way for healing. In the fight that took place microscopically within your body white blood cells fought against the invading bacteria. Pus is the evidence that your body is doing its job. Body waste is Necessary Body waste is a daily part of our bodily functions. It prevents illness, cleans our bodies from the inside out, provides protection, and gets rid of excess matter that our bodies do not use. Waste is not gross; it is a necessity!! Urinary System: Anatomy and Physiology with Interactive Pictures [Continued from above] . . . and red blood cells. Urinary System Anatomy Kidneys The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs found along the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity.

The left kidney is located slightly higher than the right kidney because the right side of the liver is much larger than the left side. The kidneys, unlike the other organs of the abdominal cavity, are located posterior to the peritoneum and touch the muscles of the back . The kidneys are surrounded by a layer of adipose that holds them in place and protects them from physical damage. The kidneys filter metabolic wastes, excess ions, and chemicals from the blood to form urine. Ureters The ureters are a pair of tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. The ureters are about 10 to 12 inches long and run on the left and right sides of the body parallel to the vertebral column . Gravity and peristalsis of smooth muscle tissue in the walls of the ureters move urine toward the urinary bladder. The ends of the ureters extend slightly into the urinary bladder and are sealed at the point of entry to the bladder by the ureterovesical valves. These valves prevent urine from flowing back towards the kidneys. Urinary Bladder The urinary bladder is a sac-like hollow organ used for the storage of urine. The urinary bladder is located along the body’s midline at the inferior end of the pelvis .

Urine entering the urinary bladder from the ureters slowly fills the hollow space of the bladder and stretches its elastic walls. The walls of the bladder allow it to stretch to hold anywhere from 600 to 800 milliliters of urine. Urethra The urethra is the tube through which urine passes from the bladder to the exterior of the body. The female urethra is around 2 inches long and ends inferior to the clitoris and superior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is around 8 to 10 inches long and ends at the tip of the penis . The urethra is also an organ of the male reproductive system as it carries sperm out of the body through the penis. The flow of urine through the urethra is controlled by the internal and external urethral sphincter muscles. The internal urethral sphincter is made of smooth muscle and opens involuntarily when the bladder reaches a certain set level of distention. The opening of the internal sphincter results in the sensation of needing to urinate.

The external urethral sphincter is made of skeletal muscle and may be opened to allow urine to pass through the urethra or may be held closed to delay urination. Urinary System Physiology Maintenance of Homeostasis The kidneys maintain the homeostasis of several important internal conditions by controlling the excretion of substances out of the body. Ions. The kidney can control the excretion of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and chloride ions into urine. In cases where these ions reach a higher than normal concentration, the kidneys can increase their excretion out of the body to return them to a normal level. Conversely, the kidneys can conserve these ions when they are present in lower than normal levels by allowing the ions to be reabsorbed into the blood during filtration. (See more about ions .) pH. The kidneys monitor and regulate the levels of hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions in the blood to control blood pH. H+ ions are produced as a natural byproduct of the metabolism of dietary proteins and accumulate in the blood over time. The kidneys excrete excess H+ ions into urine for elimination from the body. The kidneys also conserve bicarbonate ions, which act as important pH buffers in the blood.

Osmolarity. The cells of the body need to grow in an isotonic environment in order to maintain their fluid and electrolyte balance. The kidneys maintain the body’s osmotic balance by controlling the amount of water that is filtered out of the blood and excreted into urine. When a person consumes a large amount of water, the kidneys reduce their reabsorption of water to allow the excess water to be excreted in urine. This results in the production of dilute, watery urine. In the case of the body being dehydrated, the kidneys reabsorb as much water as possible back into the blood to produce highly concentrated urine full of excreted ions and wastes. The changes in excretion of water are controlled by antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland to help the body retain water. Blood Pressure. The kidneys monitor the body’s blood pressure to help maintain homeostasis. When blood pressure is elevated, the kidneys can help to reduce blood pressure by reducing the volume of blood in the body. The kidneys are able to reduce blood volume by reducing the reabsorption of water into the blood and producing watery, dilute urine.

When blood pressure becomes too low, the kidneys can produce the enzyme renin to constrict blood vessels and produce concentrated urine, which allows more water to remain in the blood. Filtration Inside each kidney are around a million tiny structures called nephrons. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney that filters blood to produce urine. Arterioles in the kidneys deliver blood to a bundle of capillaries surrounded by a capsule called a glomerulus . As blood flows through the glomerulus, much of the blood’s plasma is pushed out of the capillaries and into the capsule, leaving the blood cells and a small amount of plasma to continue flowing through the capillaries. The liquid filtrate in the capsule flows through a series of tubules lined with filtering cells and surrounded by capillaries. The cells surrounding the tubules selectively absorb water and substances from the filtrate in the tubule and return it to the blood in the capillaries. At the same time, waste products present in the blood are secreted into the filtrate. By the end of this process, the filtrate in the tubule has become urine containing only water, waste products, and excess ions.

The blood exiting the capillaries has reabsorbed all of the nutrients along with most of the water and ions that the body needs to function. Storage and Excretion of Wastes After urine has been produced by the kidneys, it is transported through the ureters to the urinary bladder. The urinary bladder fills with urine and stores it until the body is ready for its excretion. When the volume of the urinary bladder reaches anywhere from 150 to 400 milliliters, its walls begin to stretch and stretch receptors in its walls send signals to the brain and spinal cord . These signals result in the relaxation of the involuntary internal urethral sphincter and the sensation of needing to urinate. Urination may be delayed as long as the bladder does not exceed its maximum volume, but increasing nerve signals lead to greater discomfort and desire to urinate. Urination is the process of releasing urine from the urinary bladder through the urethra and out of the body. The process of urination begins when the muscles of the urethral sphincters relax, allowing urine to pass through the urethra.

At the same time that the sphincters relax, the smooth muscle in the walls of the urinary bladder contract to expel urine from the bladder. Production of Hormones The kidneys produce and interact with several hormones that are involved in the control of systems outside of the urinary system. Calcitriol. Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D in the human body. It is produced by the kidneys from precursor molecules produced by UV radiation striking the skin. Calcitriol works together with parathyroid hormone (PTH) to raise the level of calcium ions in the bloodstream. When the level of calcium ions in the blood drops below a threshold level, the parathyroid glands release PTH, which in turn stimulates the kidneys to release calcitriol. Calcitriol promotes the small intestine to absorb calcium from food and deposit it into the bloodstream. It also stimulates the osteoclasts of the skeletal system to break down bone matrix to release calcium ions into the blood. Erythropoietin. Erythropoietin, also known as EPO, is a hormone that is produced by the kidneys to stimulate the production of red blood cells.

The kidneys monitor the condition of the blood that passes through their capillaries, including the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. When the blood becomes hypoxic, meaning that it is carrying deficient levels of oxygen, cells lining the capillaries begin producing EPO and release it into the bloodstream. EPO travels through the blood to the r ed bone marrow , where it stimulates hematopoietic cells to increase their rate of red blood cell production. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which greatly increases the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity and effectively ends the hypoxic conditions. Renin. Renin is not a hormone itself, but an enzyme that the kidneys produce to start the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The RAS increases blood volume and blood pressure in response to low blood pressure, blood loss, or dehydration. Renin is released into the blood where it catalyzes angiotensinogen from the liver into angiotensin I. Angiotensin I is further catalyzed by another enzyme into Angiotensin II. Angiotensin II stimulates several processes, including stimulating the adrenal cortex to produce the hormone aldosterone.

Aldosterone then changes the function of the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of water and sodium ions into the blood, increasing blood volume and raising blood pressure. Negative feedback from increased blood pressure finally turns off the RAS to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor

Question: What is the name of the pathway in the human body along which food enters and and solid wastes are expelled?
Answer: Alimentary canal