Comparative physiology of the vertebrate digestive system

Preface 1. Energy and nutrient requirements 2. General characteristics of the digestive system 3. The digestive system of fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds 4. The mammalian gastrointestinal tract 5. Motor activity 6. Digesta transit and retention 7. Digestion of carbohydrate, lipids and protein, and the absorption of end products 8. Microbial fermentation and synthesis of nutrients, and the absorption of end products 9. Secretion and absorption of electrolytes and water 10. Neuroendocrine control 11. Evolution of the digestive system 12. Conclusions and future directions References Index.