What is the definition of an accessory organ of the digestive system? List them and describe the function of each.

• Salivary glands contain water, lubricants, and amylase to soften food. They make it easier to swallow and to begin carbohydrate digestion.
• The liver secretes bile to emulsify fats.
• The gallbladder stores bile for the liver.
• The pancreas secretes buffers that neutralize acidic chyme leaving the stomach and digestive enzymes that digest carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.


Accessory organs of the digestive system are not physically part of the continuous alimentary canal that stretches from the mouth to the anus. They are attached to the gut by a duct. The accessory organs are the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
• Salivary glands contain water, lubricants, and amylase to soften food. They make it easier to swallow and to begin carbohydrate digestion.
• The liver secretes bile to emulsify fats.
• The gallbladder stores bile for the liver.
• The pancreas secretes buffers that neutralize acidic chyme leaving the stomach and digestive enzymes that digest carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

Health & Biomechanics

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