ABSTRACT
Digestion Before Birth Before the end of the embryonic period, the digestive tube is complete in the sense that it is open at both ends. However, although the cells of the digestive system differentiate during the fetal period, and even secrete small amounts of digestive enzymes near term, the digestive system does not function as such before birth. Rather, it accumulates contents called meconium, composed of cells and hair from the amniotic fluid, cells from the lining of the digestive tube, and other matter.
