Digestive System Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following are component organs of the digestive tract? (Select all that apply)

Esophagus (correct)

Mouth (correct)

Liver

Colon (correct)

Small intestine (correct)

Anus (correct)

What are the accessory organs of the digestive system?

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

What are the two types of digestion?

Mechanical and chemical

What are the six functions of the digestive system?

Ingestion, mechanical processing, digestion, secretion, absorption, excretion Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of the four steps of the digestive system?

Ingestion, digestion, absorption, elimination Signup and view all the answers

Where does mechanical digestion begin?

Mouth Signup and view all the answers

Where does chemical digestion of starch food begin?

Mouth Signup and view all the answers

Where does chemical digestion of proteins begin?

Stomach Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of mechanical digestion? (Select one)

Chewing food Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of chemical digestion? (Select one)

B and C Signup and view all the answers

Which organ plays the biggest role in absorbing nutrients from food?

Small intestine Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of saliva in the digestive system?

To moisten and lubricate chewed food and begin chemical digestion with amylase. Signup and view all the answers

What does the enzyme amylase do?

Breaks the chemical bonds in starches, forming sugars. Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for food that has been chewed and mixed with saliva?

Bolus Signup and view all the answers

What process do the muscles of the esophagus use to move food downward?

Peristalsis Signup and view all the answers

What are the wrinkles called that the stomach forms when it is empty?

Rugae Signup and view all the answers

What do gastric juices in the stomach do?

Kill bacteria, digest food, include hydrochloric acid. Signup and view all the answers

Which organ does both chemical and mechanical digestion?

Stomach Signup and view all the answers

By what name is the food called when it leaves the stomach to enter the small intestine?

Chyme Signup and view all the answers

What are the layers of the digestive tract?

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of mucosa?

Mucosal epithelium, villi, lamina propria, muscularis mucosae Signup and view all the answers

Contraction of which layer alters the shape of the intestinal lumen?

Muscularis mucosa Signup and view all the answers

What is the mesentery?

A double layer of peritoneum that holds organs in place, stores fat, and allows blood vessels and nerves to reach organs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the colon (large intestine)?

Remove water from undigested material. Signup and view all the answers

What is pepsin?

A protein-digesting enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller polypeptide fragments. Signup and view all the answers

In which environment does pepsin work best?

An acidic environment Signup and view all the answers

What kind of acid is produced by stomach glands to optimize chemical digestion?

Hydrochloric acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH level inside the human stomach?

1 Signup and view all the answers

What happens when there is too much water absorption in the large intestine?

Constipation Signup and view all the answers

What happens when there is too little water absorption in the large intestine?

Diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

Contraction of which layer of the intestinal wall helps move food through its length?

Muscularis Signup and view all the answers

What does salivary amylase digest?

Carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Component and Accessory Organs

Major component organs: mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and anus.
Accessory organs: teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Types of Digestion

Digestion occurs in two forms: mechanical (physical breakdown) and chemical (enzymatic breakdown).

Functions of the Digestive System

Ingestion: bringing food into the mouth.
Mechanical processing: physical manipulation of food.
Digestion: breaking down food into smaller components.
Secretion: the release of digestive juices, including saliva that acts on starches.
Absorption: transfer of nutrients from food into the bloodstream.
Excretion: elimination of undigested material.

Digestive Process Order

The digestive process follows these steps: ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination.

Locations of Digestion

Mechanical digestion starts in the mouth.
Chemical digestion of starch begins in the mouth; protein digestion begins in the stomach.

Examples of Digestion Types

Mechanical digestion is exemplified by chewing food.
Chemical digestion includes enzymes breaking down food and saliva breaking down starches.

Absorption

The small intestine is the primary organ for nutrient absorption.

Role of Saliva

Saliva moistens and lubricates food for easy swallowing and starts chemical digestion with amylase.

Enzyme Function

Amylase breaks down starches into sugars.
Bolus refers to chewed food combined with saliva.

Esophagus Functioning

The esophagus moves food downward using peristalsis (muscle contractions).

Stomach Structure and Function

The stomach has rugae (folds) when empty.
Gastric juices kill bacteria and digest food, containing hydrochloric acid.

Digestive Juices and Digestion

Both mechanical and chemical digestion occur in the stomach.
Food leaves the stomach as chyme, a creamy paste.

Digestive Tract Layers

Digestive tract consists of four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa.

Components of Mucosa

Mucosa includes the mucosal epithelium, villi, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae.

Mesentery Function

The mesentery is a double layer of peritoneum, holding organs in place, storing fat, and allowing blood vessels and nerves access.

Colon Function

The colon's primary function is to remove water from undigested material.

Pepsin's Role

Pepsin is the protein-digesting enzyme in the stomach, breaking down proteins into smaller fragments.
Pepsin operates best in an acidic environment.

Stomach Acid and pH

Hydrochloric acid is produced by stomach glands for optimal digestion.
The stomach maintains a pH level of approximately 1.

Water Absorption Issues

Excess water absorption in the large intestine can cause constipation.
Insufficient water absorption may result in diarrhea.

Muscular Layers

The muscularis layer contracts to change the shape of the intestinal lumen and facilitate food movement.
Salivary amylase digests carbohydrates.

Salivary Glands

In total, there are three pairs of salivary glands that secrete saliva into the oral cavity.

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Description

This quiz features flashcards focused on the essential components and functions of the digestive system. Each card highlights key aspects, such as the organs involved and the types of digestion. Test your knowledge and reinforce your understanding of human biology.