ScienceAugust 17, 2026

midgut

MID-gut

Definition

The central section of the alimentary canal in insects and other invertebrates, where digestion and the absorption of nutrients primarily occur.

Etymology

The word is a compound of the Old English 'mid' (middle) and 'gut' (belly or intestine), describing the middle part of the digestive tract.

In the news

The article uses the term to explain how boric acid causes physical damage to the digestive system of ants, specifically impacting their nutrient absorption.

Pesticides make ants go crazy

Read the full article ↗

University of California, Riverside

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