“outside” of the body
Lumen = space within tubular or hollow
organ such as an artery, vein, or intestineIntestinal lumen = the inside of the intestine
Mesentery = membrane attaching organ (e.g., intestine) to body wall; often has lymphoid tissue
Food is moved down tract via peristalsis
Entire length of digestive tract epithelium is covered by mucosal membrane (mucosa) with mucus that is secreted from specialized glands
Surface area of intestine increased by presence of villi (finger-like projections) and microvilli that absorb nutrients and other products of digestion
Anatomy of Digestive Tract