THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS
The alimentary canal, the principal part of the digestive apparatus, is a tube extending through the entire body from the end of the proboscis to the anal opening. Just above the proboscis is a bulb, which is enlarged by the contraction of muscles attached to the hard parts of the head. When the bulb is expanded nectar may be sucked up through the proboscis; then the valve at the end of the proboscis is closed, and the bulb contracted again. By this means the liquid is forced back into the esophagus or gullet, and hence into the crop. Just behind the crop is the stomach, and just behind the stomach is the small intestine. From the small intestine the part of the liquid not absorbed flows into the large intestine, which is divided into a front part or colon, and a rear and lower part called the rectum. From the rectum the fecal matter passes out of the body through the anal opening.