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The Mammalian Digestive System

I. Mammalian Digestive System

A. This system consists of the alimentary canal and various accessory glands

that secrete digestive juices into the

canal through ducts.

1. Peristalsis, rhythmic waves of

contraction by smooth muscles in the

wall of the canal, pushed the food

along tract.

2. Sphincters are ring-like valves

consisting of modified muscles in a

muscular tube, such as the digestive

tract, that closes off the tube like a

drawstring.

3. Salivary glands are mostly associated

with the oral cavity. They are exo-

crine glands that secrete substances

to lubricate food, adhere together

chewed pieces into a bolus, and

begin the process of chemical digest-

ion

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