Final answer:
The alimentary canal is another term for the digestive tract, which functions to process food and absorb nutrients to nourish the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The alimentary canal is another name for the digestive tract. The alimentary canal, which is also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or gut, is approximately 7.62 meters (25 feet) long in a living body and extends to about 10.67 meters (35 feet) post-mortem when smooth muscle tone is lost.
The primary role of the alimentary canal's organs is to nourish the body. It starts at the mouth and ends at the anus, and includes several key segments such as the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines, which are all specialized to meet the functional needs of the body. This system is designed to process ingested food and facilitate the absorption of nutrients, ultimately nourishing the body's internal environment.