Question

What is the difference between the alimentary canal and the digestive system?

Answer 1

Hint: Digestion is a significant process of acquiring energy and nutrients. The digestive system contains a long tubular canal where ingested food travels along. Absorption and assimilation occur after the food is digested. Subsequently, the undigested foods excrete from the body via the process of egestion. There are several accessory organs and glands involved in the digestion process.

Complete answer

                                                     Fig: Human Digestive System

Alimentary Canal	Digestive System
The Alimentary canal is one of the parts of the digestive system. It is a significant and indispensable part of the digestive system. It is a tube, which starts from the mouth and ends up in the anus.	The digestive system is a combination of digestive glands and the alimentary canal. The digestive system includes the pancreas, gallbladder, teeth, alimentary canal, and blood supply (inclusive of the portal vein to the liver).
The alimentary canal is a continuous tubule, which starts from the mouth and reaches the anus, facilitating the process of digestion. It encompasses the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus, while passing food.	The digestive system is a complete system, which includes the alimentary canal, accessory glands, and organs. The part of the digestive system is inclusive of salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, and pancreatic duct.
Food moves through the alimentary canal via a constant rhythmic movement called peristaltic movement. Foods remain in the stomach for 2-3 hours before going to the intestine and then, absorption of food takes place in the intestine. Then, in the large intestine, water absorption occurs and undigested food is released via the anus.	The salivary glands of the digestive system facilitate the chemical and mechanical digestion of food in the oral cavity. The liver produces bile and aids in fat emulsification. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and hormones, facilitating digestion in an alkaline environment.

Note:
There are some similarities that exist between an alimentary canal and digestive system. Both of the systems execute the functions involuntarily. Various secretions are performed in both systems. Both are composed of smooth functions, which facilitate respective functions. Gut microorganisms dwell in both systems. They both facilitate the holozoic mode of nutrition, where ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation, and egestion of food take place.