1. Mouth and Teeth: Dolphins have rows of conical teeth used for grasping and tearing their prey. They don't chew their food but rather swallow it whole.
2. Esophagus: The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It helps transport the swallowed prey to the next stage of digestion.
3. Stomach: Dolphins have a four-chambered stomach similar to some other mammals. The first stomach compartment, called the forestomach, stores food temporarily. The second, third, and fourth compartments contain various digestive enzymes and acids that break down the food particles further.
4. Small Intestine: Partially digested food moves from the stomach to the small intestine, which is the primary site of nutrient absorption. Enzymes from the pancreas, as well as bile from the liver, help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into absorbable components. The inner surface of the small intestine has finger-like projections called villi, and microscopic folds called microvilli, which increase the surface area for efficient absorption of nutrients.
5. Large Intestine: Undigestible materials and water pass from the small intestine into the large intestine. Here, water is reabsorbed, and certain beneficial bacteria help ferment the remaining organic matter.
6. Rectum and Anus: The indigestible waste products are then stored in the rectum before being expelled through the anus.
It's important to note that dolphins, like other marine mammals, have a high metabolic rate and require a significant amount of food daily. Their digestive system has adapted to efficiently process and extract nutrients from their prey to meet their energy demands.