# 52 Human alimentary canal
The alimentary canal is a long tube which runs from the mouth to the anus. It is part of the digestive system. The digestive system also includes the liver and the pancreas.
Main regions of the alimentary canal and associated organs are:
Main regions of the alimentary canal and associated organs are:
- Mouth, salivary glands
- Oesophagus
- Stomach
- Pancreas, liver, gall bladder
- Small intestine (duodenum + ileum)
- Large intestine (colon +rectum)
- Anus.
Key definitions
Functions of the regions of the alimentary canal
Common misconceptions
The liver does not make digestive enzymes- bile is not an enzyme. It breaks fat down into smaller droplets, but does not change them chemically.
The fat mollecules stay the same size, it is just the droplet size that changes from large to small due to the action of bile.
The liver does not make digestive enzymes- bile is not an enzyme. It breaks fat down into smaller droplets, but does not change them chemically.
The fat mollecules stay the same size, it is just the droplet size that changes from large to small due to the action of bile.