The digestive tract is one of most fascinating parts of the body because it has the unique role of having to be permeable enough to take up nutrients and water but serve as a barrier to everything else. In this seminar we will discuss the structure and function of the parts of the mammalian gut, along with the diversity of structures that have accompanied dietary specializations. We will also discuss health and medical conditions that result from malfunctions in various portions of the digestive system. In addition to brief lectures and class-wide discussions, students will work in groups to make short reports to the rest of the class.
