A. Liver B. Stomach C. Pancreas D. Spleen E. Duodenum F. Small Intestine G. Large Intestine H. Colon I. Rectum J. Esophagus K. Gall Bladder L. Rectal Gland M. Cloaca

 The Digestive Process:

    Snakes eat their food whole. It enters the mouth and into the buccal cavity. The food is taken into the esophagus and into the stomach of the snake. The stomach breaks down the food by secreting hydrochloric acid. The mixture of acid and food is called chyme. This mixture is passed into the small intestine and the nutrients are absorbed from it. The food becomes waste after all nutrients are absorbed. The waste is passed into the large intestine and into the rectum where water is reabsorbed. The waste called feces is temporarily stored in the rectum and then excreted out of the body.

Glands:

    There are several glands throughout the digestive system. The main glands are the pancreas, which secretes insulin; the liver, which secretes bile; and the salivary glands (Kardong 2002), which in venomous species of snakes are modified into venom glands (Zug 1993).