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Gastrointestinal tract

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Gastrointestinal tract, also referred to as GI tract, refers to the system of multi-celled animals that ingests, digests, and egests food, and in the process, extracts energy and nutrients.

In the human, the GI tract includes these components:

In addition, the vermiform appendix is a rudimentary, evolutionarily relict organ attached to the cecum. Both the gall bladder and pancreas serve as secretory organs to the GI tract.

The GI tract can differ substantially from animal to animal. For instance, some animals have multi-chambered stomachs.

See also body, anatomy, abdominal cavity