gut

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gut In developmental and evolutionary terms, the gut is simply a ‘tube’ from head end to tail end, extending the outside environment into the shelter of the body, allowing the processing and absorption of nutrients from an internal surface: an advance upon absorption from only the external surface in the simplest organisms. In human terms, although the ‘tube’ runs from mouth to anus, the term ‘gut’ usually refers to the stomach and intestines; gut sensations and functions have strong psychosomatic links involving the autonomic nervous system — a physical basis for the traditional association with unreasoned responses and emotions: ‘gut reactions’ and ‘gut feelings’.

Stuart Judge


See alimentary system.

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