anatomy of a turtle

small intestine

Long thin portion of the digestive tract behind the stomach in which most of the digestion and food absorption take place.

cloaca

Orifice common to the intestine and the genital and urinary tracts; it is located at the terminal end of the digestive tract.

liver

Viscera that secretes bile, among other substances; bile helps digestion.

oviduct

Canal through which the eggs are expelled from the ovaries.

anus

Terminal orifice of the digestive tract enabling ejection of fecal matter.

colon

Portion of the intestine in front of the rectum.

stomach

Dilated section of the digestive tract preceding the intestine; it receives food to be digested.

bladder

Reservoir where urine from the kidneys collects before being evacuated by the cloaca.

spleen

Organ of the circulatory system where impurities in the blood are destroyed.

rectum

Terminal part of the intestine located between the colon and the anus.

esophagus

Canal of the anterior portion of the digestive tract; it carries food to the stomach.