What is the correct term for the portion of the digestive system that extends from the stomach to the anus?

The term that describes the portion of the digestive system extending from the stomach to the anus is indeed the intestine. The intestines are divided into two main segments: the small intestine and the large intestine. The small intestine includes the duodenum, which is directly connected to the stomach. Following the small intestine, the food then moves into the large intestine, which terminates at the anus. This entire pathway plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as the elimination of waste.

In contrast, the other options refer to specific parts of the digestive system. The colon is part of the large intestine but does not represent the entire system from stomach to anus. The esophagus is the tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach, therefore it is only a small section of the entire digestive tract. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, situated right after the stomach, but it does not encompass the length all the way to the anus. Understanding the different sections of the digestive system helps clarify their functions and the continuity from ingestion to excretion.