208 DIGESTION. 



and large intestine successively ; gradually losing, by absorp- 

 tion, the greater portion of its nutritive constituents. The 

 residue, together with such matters as may have been added 



FIG. 66. 



Diagram of the alimentary canal. The small intestine of man is from about 3 to 4 

 times as long as the large intestine. 



to it in its passage, is discharged from the rectum through the 

 anus. 



We shall now consider, in detail, the process of digestion, as 

 it takes place in each stage of this journey of the food through 

 the alimentary canal. 



