The
gastrointestinal tract, also known as the
gut or
alimentary canal, is a tube by which
bilaterian animals (including
humans) transfer food to the
digestion organs. In large bilaterians, the gastrointestinal tract generally also has an exit, the
anus, by which the animal disposes of solid wastes. Some small bilaterians have no anus and dispose of solid wastes by other means (for example, through the mouth).