Table of Contents
Do earthworms have a digestive system?
Digestive system The alimentary canal consists of a mouth, buccal cavity (generally running through the first one or two segments of the earthworm), pharynx (running generally about four segments in length), oesophagus, crop, gizzard (usually) and intestine. Food enters at the mouth.
What type of digestive system does an earthworm have?
alimentary canal
The digestive system of earthworm comprises an alimentary canal that runs along the length of the body from mouth to anus and glands….Structure of the Alimentary Canal.
| Parts of the alimentary canal | No. of the segment in the body |
|---|---|
| Stomach | 9-14 |
| Intestine | 15-last |
| Anus | last |
What are worms made of?
Earthworms’ bodies are made up of ring-like segments called annuli. These segments are covered in setae, or small bristles, which the worm uses to move and burrow.
What is the function of the digestive system in an earthworm?
The earthworm digestive system helps fertilize the soil and therefore making them ‘farmers best friends’. Earthworms feed on large amounts of soil containing organic matter and loosen the soil, making it porous. This facilitates easy percolation of water and air into the soil and thus promotes plant growth.
What does the esophagus do in an earthworm?
The food is then passed on to the esophagus that is present in the 5th to 7th segment. The esophagus is like a small tube that has calciferous glands. These glands release calcium carbonate that helps neutralizing the acids formed in the decayed food matter and remove excess of calcium from the earthworms body.
What is the function of the pharynx in an earthworm?
The “pharynx” of the nematode worm is a muscular food pump in the head, triangular in cross-section, that grinds food and transports it directly to the intestines. A one-way valve connects the pharynx to the excretory canal.
What is the mouth of an earthworm?
The prostomium or mouth of an earthworm is made up of strong lips. The buccal cavity is made up of 2½ segments that is thin-walled and shaped like a pear. There are no jaws and teeth, and the earthworm sucks in the soil containing food with the muscular pharynx.