Digestive and Respiratory Systems Quiz

Study Notes

Peristalsis is the rhythmic contraction of muscles in the digestive tract that moves food along the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Organs involved in the digestive system include:
- Oesophagus: Transports food from the mouth to the stomach .
- Stomach: Breaks down food with acids and enzymes.
- Liver: Produces bile for fat digestion and processes nutrients.
- Pancreas: Secretes digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin.
- Gall bladder: Stores and releases bile into the small intestine.
- Small intestines: Nutrient absorption occurs here, aided by villi, which increase surface area.
- Large intestines: Absorbs water and forms waste products (feces).
Types of digestion:
- Mechanical digestion: Physical breakdown of food (e.g., chewing) primarily occurs in the mouth and stomach.
- Chemical digestion: Enzymatic breakdown of food occurs in the stomach and small intestine.

Key components of the respiratory system:
- Nasal passage: Filters, warms, and humidifies air.
- Trachea: Airway that connects the larynx to the bronchi; covered by epiglottis to prevent food entering.
- Alveoli: Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.
- Bronchi: Main passageways into the lungs, branching from the trachea.
- Bronchioles: Smaller branches of bronchi leading to alveoli.
- Diaphragm: Muscle that aids in breathing by contracting and relaxing.
- Ribs: Protect the lungs and assist with the mechanics of breathing.
Structure and function of alveoli:
- Alveoli are surrounded by capillaries where oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed.
Gas exchange process:
- Oxygen moves from alveoli into the blood, while carbon dioxide moves from blood into alveoli to be exhaled.

Types of neurons:
- Dendrites: Receive messages from other neurons.
- Cell body: Contains the nucleus and processes information.
- Axon: Transmits electrical signals away from the cell body.
- Axon terminals: Release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons.
Types of messages transmitted:
- Electrical signals within neurons carry impulses.
- Chemical signals (neurotransmitters) transmit messages between neurons.
Brain regions and their brief functions:
- Frontal lobe: Responsible for reasoning, planning, and problem-solving.
- Parietal lobe: Processes sensory information, including touch and pain.
- Occipital lobe: Responsible for visual processing.
- Temporal lobe: Involved in auditory perception and memory.
- Cerebellum: Coordinates movement and balance.
- Brain stem: Controls basic life functions such as breathing and heartbeat.

Components of the excretory system:
- The kidneys play a vital role in the urinary system by filtering waste products from the bloodstream, maintaining salt levels, and regulating overall fluid balance in the body.
- Ureters: Tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
- Bladder: Stores urine until excretion.
- Urethra: Tube through which urine is expelled from the body.
Main functions of the kidneys:
- Maintain electrolyte balance, regulate blood pressure, and remove waste products from the blood.