134 



TEXT-BOOK OF PHYSIOLOGY. 



pancreatic juice respectively. The large intestine is from five to six feet in 

 length and extends from the end of the small intestine to the anus. Its walls 

 contain a large number of glands. 



The general process of digestion is largely accomplished by the chemic 

 action of the digestive fluids secreted by glands, some of which are imbedded 

 in the walls of the canal while others are situated outside of it and com- 

 municate with it only by means of ducts. These fluids are the saliva, the 



Salivary 6fan<f 



Vermiform 



FIG. 60. DIAGRAM OF THE ALIMENTARY CANAL. (Modified, from Landois.) 



gastric, intestinal, and pancreatic juices, and the bile. Though taking 

 place throughout a large portion of the food canal, the process may be sub- 

 divided into several stages: viz., prehension, mouth digestion, deglutition, 

 gastric digestion, and intestinal digestion. 



As a result of the action of these fluids the nutritive principles are pre- 

 pared for absorption into the blood; the non-nutritive principles, along 

 with certain waste products, pass into the large intestine to be finally ex- 

 truded from the body. 



