Which of the following structures would be considered an accessory organ to the digestive system and NOT part of the alimentary canal?

(a) Pancreas

(b) Esophagus

(c) Stomach

(d) Small Intestine

The correct answer to the question: Which of the folowing structures would be considered an accessory organ to the digestive system and NOT part of the alimentary canal?, would be: A: Pancreas.

Explanation:

The accesory organs to the digestive systems are defined as organs that in some part play a role in the entire process of digestion of food, but are not directly a part of the digestive tract itself. As such, the pancreas, though resposible for secreting components that are essential to the process of absorption of nutrients, and management of them, is not part of the digestive system and fufills tasks outside of the purpose of the digestive system, which is, to manage the digestion, absorption and excretion of nutrients and foodstuffs.