gastrointestinal tract
gastrointestinal tract, pathway by which food enters the body and solid wastes are expelled. The gastrointestinal tract includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. See digestion.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
This article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.
Citation Information
Article Title:
gastrointestinal tract
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
08 April 2026
Access Date:
November 13, 2026