Question

Why do the digestive enzymes in our alimentary canal not digest the inner lining of the canal itself?

Answer 1

Dear student,

The inner lining of our alimentary canal is composed of a wall of epithelial cells whose function is to secrete mucous. This mucous lining act as first line of defence for protection. This mucous lining protects our digestive tract from its own secretion (digestive enzymes). If it is unable to do so then conditions like 'ulcers' may arise which is due to highly acidic digestive enzymes affecting the alimentary canal lining.

Regards.