Digestion Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the difference between mechanical and chemical digestion?

Mechanical digestion involves physically breaking the food into smaller pieces. Chemical digestion involves breaking down the food into simpler nutrients that can be used by the cells.

List the main structures of the gastrointestinal tract.

Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine.

List the accessory organs of the digestive system.

Teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas.

What is the job of the stomach?

Connects the esophagus to the duodenum, serves as a mixing chamber and holding reservoir, forces material into the small intestine, and begins digestion of proteins. Signup and view all the answers

When people have 'acid reflux disease', what sphincter isn't working just right, and what is the result?

The lower esophageal sphincter isn't working properly, allowing acids to back up into the esophagus and causing heartburn. Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is secreted by the stomach when food stimulates stretch receptors and changes in pH?

Gastrin. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the components of gastric juice.

Water, electrolytes, HCl, enzymes, mucus, and intrinsic factor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main action of HCl in the stomach?

To convert pepsinogen to pepsin. Signup and view all the answers

Are nutrients absorbed in the stomach?

False Signup and view all the answers

Where does most of the absorption of nutrients take place?

Duodenum of the small intestine. Signup and view all the answers

While short chain fatty acids diffuse into the blood capillaries of a villus in the small intestine, large globules of triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol enter the lacteals and enter the bloodstream via the ____.

Lymphatic capillaries. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main job of the large intestine? What is absorbed there?

Finish absorption of water. Signup and view all the answers

The pancreas secretes pancreatic juice which contains mostly what kind of substances?

Water. Signup and view all the answers

To where and how does the pancreas deliver pancreatic juice?

To the small intestine through ducts. Signup and view all the answers

The liver performs many vital functions. What is its main function in digestion?

Process the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine. Signup and view all the answers

What three vessels make up the portal triad of the liver?

Hepatic artery, portal vein, bile duct. Signup and view all the answers

Bile is produced in the and temporarily stored in the ________.

liver / gall bladder. Signup and view all the answers

What is bile and what is its main function in digestion?

A yellowish, brownish, or olive green liquid containing water, bile salts, cholesterol, phospholipid lecithin, bile pigments, and several ions. Main function - critical for digestion and absorption of fats. Signup and view all the answers

To where and how is the bile delivered?

Hepatocytes release bile, which is secreted into the small intestine. Signup and view all the answers

What vitamins are produced in the large intestine?

K and B. Signup and view all the answers

What is mass peristalsis?

A strong peristaltic wave that begins in the transverse colon and quickly drives the contents of the colon into the rectum. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Digestion Overview

Mechanical Digestion: Physically breaks food into smaller pieces, starting in the mouth through chewing.
Chemical Digestion: Breaks food down into simpler nutrients, beginning in the mouth with saliva mixing.

Gastrointestinal Tract Structures

Main structures include the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

Accessory Organs of Digestion

Include teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Stomach Functions

Connects esophagus to the duodenum; acts as a mixing chamber and holding reservoir.
Forces small quantities into the small intestine; accommodates large food volumes.
Digests starch, triglycerides, and begins protein digestion, converting bolus to liquid state.

Acid Reflux Disease

Caused by malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acids to backflow into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Gastrin Hormone

Secreted by the stomach in response to food, stretch receptors, and pH changes.

Components of Gastric Juice

Consists of water, electrolytes, hydrochloric acid (HCl), enzymes, mucus, and intrinsic factor.

Role of Hydrochloric Acid

Converts pepsinogen into pepsin, aiding in protein digestion.

Nutrient Absorption in the Stomach

Primarily a storage organ; no significant nutrient absorption occurs here.

Nutrient Absorption Location

Most nutrient absorption takes place in the duodenum of the small intestine.

Fatty Acid Absorption

Short-chain fatty acids diffuse into blood capillaries; larger molecules enter lacteals, then the bloodstream via lymphatic capillaries.

Function of the Large Intestine

Primarily responsible for the absorption of water.

Pancreatic Juice Composition

Mostly composed of water, secreted by the pancreas.

Delivery of Pancreatic Juice

Delivered to the small intestine through ducts such as the Accessory and Hepatopancreatic Ampulla.

Main Function of the Liver in Digestion

Processes nutrients absorbed from the small intestine; bile produced aids in fat digestion.

Portal Triad of the Liver

Composed of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct.

Bile Production and Storage

Produced in the liver and temporarily stored in the gallbladder.

Bile Overview

A yellowish-green liquid containing water, bile salts, cholesterol, phospholipids, bile pigments, and ions; crucial for fat digestion and absorption.

Bile Delivery Method

Secreted into the small intestine by hepatocytes.

Vitamins Produced in the Large Intestine

Vitamins K and B are synthesized here.

Mass Peristalsis

Refers to a strong peristaltic wave originating in the transverse colon, driving contents into the rectum.

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Description

Explore key concepts of digestion with these flashcards. Learn the differences between mechanical and chemical digestion and identify structures of the gastrointestinal tract. Perfect for students looking to master the essentials of digestive processes.