Digestive System Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the oral cavity and what does it contain?

The oral cavity is the first part of the digestive tract known as the mouth. It contains teeth, tongue, lips, tonsils, uvula, and the cheeks.

What is the function of the salivary glands?

The salivary glands produce saliva, which keeps the mouth and other parts of the digestive system moist.

What is the function of the tongue?

The tongue aids in moving food in the mouth, chewing, and swallowing.

What is a bolus?

A bolus is a small rounded mass of a substance, especially chewed food at the moment of swallowing. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the soft and hard palate located and what are their functions?

The soft and hard palate are located at the roof of the mouth. The hard palate is at the front, and the soft palate is at the back. The hard palate holds the root of the teeth, and the soft palate is pressed down for swallowing. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanical and chemical digestion occurs in the oral cavity?

The mechanical digestion in the oral cavity is chewing, and the chemical digestion involves enzymes in saliva starting the degradation of food. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanisms are in place to make sure food does not 'go down the wrong tube' and into the windpipe?

A flap of skin known as the epiglottis separates the esophagus from the trachea, preventing food from going down the wrong tube. Signup and view all the answers

What are the size and the location of the pancreas?

The pancreas is 6 inches long and sits across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different functions of the pancreas, and how is the pancreas directly related to digestion?

Part of the pancreas works with the endocrine system to secrete hormones that regulate blood sugar, while another part helps with food digestion by secreting enzymes that break down food. Signup and view all the answers

How does the pancreas connect to the rest of the digestive system?

The pancreas is behind the stomach and connects to the gallbladder and the small intestine. Signup and view all the answers

What enzymes are produced by the pancreas and what are their functions?

The pancreas produces pancreatic proteases for digesting proteins, pancreatic amylase for digesting carbohydrates, and pancreatic lipase for digesting fats. Signup and view all the answers

How is insulin related to the digestive system?

Insulin is released when there is a high glucose level in the blood, which can occur after eating too much sugar. Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of the liver and where is it located?

The liver is the largest internal organ, relative to a football, located in the upper portion of the abdomen, superior to the stomach and inferior to the diaphragm. Signup and view all the answers

How does the liver function in relation to digestion?

The liver processes nutrients absorbed from the small intestine. Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of the liver in the body?

Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs. Signup and view all the answers

What is another function of the liver in the body?

Metabolism of macromolecules. Signup and view all the answers

What is a third function of the liver in the body?

Enzyme activation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fourth function of the liver in the body?

Storage of glycogen, vitamins, and minerals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fifth function of the liver in the body?

Synthesis of proteins that aid in blood clotting. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the liver and the gallbladder?

Bile is produced by the liver to help absorb fat into the bloodstream and is stored in the gallbladder until needed for digestion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of bile and where does it enter the digestive tract?

Bile contains waste products and is used to digest and absorb fats, entering from the liver. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first section of the small intestine?

Duedenum. Signup and view all the answers

What is the second section of the small intestine?

Jejunum. Signup and view all the answers

What is the third section of the small intestine?

Ileum. Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH within the small intestine and how is this pH maintained?

The pH within the small intestine is 6, maintained through bicarbonate ions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oral Cavity

The oral cavity, or mouth, is the initial segment of the digestive tract.
It houses the teeth, tongue, lips, tonsils, uvula, and cheeks.
Mechanical digestion occurs through chewing, while chemical digestion begins with saliva enzymes.

Salivary Glands

Salivary glands are responsible for producing saliva which keeps the mouth moist, aiding in digestion.

Tongue Functions

The tongue plays a vital role in manipulating food for chewing and swallowing.

Bolus

A bolus refers to a small, rounded mass of chewed food ready for swallowing.

Palate

The hard palate is positioned at the front of the mouth and supports tooth roots, while the soft palate, located at the back, assists in swallowing.

Esophagus and Trachea Separation

The epiglottis, a flap of skin, prevents food from entering the trachea by blocking the airway during swallowing.

Pancreas Size and Location

The pancreas is approximately 6 inches long and located behind the stomach in the abdomen.

Pancreas Functions

The pancreas has both endocrine (hormone regulation, e.g., blood sugar) and exocrine (digestive enzyme secretion) functions.

Pancreatic Connection

It connects to the gallbladder and small intestine, playing a crucial role in digestion.

Pancreatic Enzymes

Produces enzymes such as proteases (digests proteins), amylase (digests carbohydrates), and lipase (digests fats).

Insulin Relation to Digestion

Insulin is released in response to high blood glucose levels, often after intake of sugar.

Liver Size and Location

The liver is the largest internal organ, comparable to a football, located above the stomach and beneath the diaphragm.

Liver's Digestive Role

The liver processes nutrients absorbed from the small intestine.

Liver Functions

Key functions include excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs.
It metabolizes macromolecules, activates enzymes, and stores glycogen, vitamins, and minerals.
It synthesizes proteins vital for blood clotting.

Liver and Gallbladder Relationship

The liver produces bile, essential for fat absorption, stored in the gallbladder until needed.

Bile Function and Entry

Bile aids in fat digestion and contains waste products, entering the digestive tract from the liver.

Small Intestine Sections

The small intestine consists of three sections: duodenum (first), jejunum (second), and ileum (third).

Small Intestine pH

The pH of the small intestine is 6, maintained by bicarbonate ions.

Bile and Pancreatic Enzyme Entry

Bile and pancreatic enzymes enter the small intestine, facilitating digestion.

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Description

This quiz provides essential flashcards covering the oral cavity, salivary glands, and tongue functions within the digestive system. Each card offers a question followed by a detailed answer to help reinforce understanding of these key concepts. Great for students studying human anatomy and physiology.