Midgut
- Pronunciation
- /MID-gut/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Midgut
- Plural
- Midguts
Definition
The middle section of the insect alimentary canal, responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Etymology
Latin 'medium', meaning 'middle' and 'gut', referring to the gut.
Example
The midgut is where most of the digestion and nutrient absorption occurs in an insect.
Related Terms
- Foregut
- Hindgut
- Digestion
- Absorption
Usage Notes
The midgut is lined with a peritrophic membrane in most insects, which protects the delicate gut cells from abrasive food particles.