Digestive System Functions and Anatomy

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the primary function of the digestive system?

  • To break down food and absorb nutrients (correct)
  • To produce hormones that regulate body functions
  • To transport oxygen to cells
  • To filter waste products from the blood

Which of the following is NOT a major process occurring in the digestive system?

  • Excretion
  • Respiration (correct)
  • Ingestion
  • Digestion

Which layer of the small intestine contains the muscularis mucosae?

  • Submucosa
  • Serosa
  • Muscularis externa
  • Mucosa (correct)

Which of the following best describes peristalsis?

<p>A series of wave-like muscle contractions that propel food along the digestive tract (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Segmentation primarily functions to:

<p>Mix and churn the food to aid in digestion and absorption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does mechanical processing begin in the digestive system?

<p>Oral cavity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the myenteric plexus?

<p>Controlling the activity of the muscularis externa (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which accessory organ of the digestive system produces bile?

<p>Liver (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the digestive tract does the most absorption of nutrients occur?

<p>Small Intestine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The serosa layer of the digestive tract is also know as the:

<p>Visceral peritoneum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of pacesetter cells in the digestive system?

<p>Initiating smooth muscle contraction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structure(s) increase the surface area for absorption in the small intestine?

<p>Both Villi and Plicae circulares (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of muscle contraction propels food forward in the digestive tract?

<p>Peristalsis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of the large intestine?

<p>Absorbing water and electrolytes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the gallbladder in digestion?

<p>Storing and concentrating bile (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ingestion

The initial intake of food into the digestive system.

Mechanical processing

Physical breakdown of food (e.g., chewing) to increase surface area for enzymatic action.

Digestion

Chemical breakdown of food into smaller molecules via enzymes.

Secretion

Release of enzymes, acids, and buffers to assist digestion.

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Absorption

Movement of digested molecules, ions, and water from the digestive tract into the blood or lymph.

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Excretion

Elimination of undigested material and waste products from the body.

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Mucosa

The innermost layer of the digestive tract, including the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae.

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Submucosa

A layer of dense connective tissue containing blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves.

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Muscularis externa

Consists of circular and longitudinal layers of smooth muscle, responsible for movement and mixing.

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Serosa

The outermost layer, also known as the visceral peritoneum.

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Villi

Small finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption in the small intestine.

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Plica circularis

Folds in the small intestine that increase surface area and enhance absorption.

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Peristalsis

Wave-like muscle contractions that propel food through the digestive tract.

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Segmentation

Contractions that mix food with digestive juices and bring it into contact with the intestinal lining for absorption.

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Pacesetter cells

Specialized cells that initiate smooth muscle contraction in the digestive tract.

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Study Notes

Functions of the Digestive Tract

  • The functions and structure of the digestive tract
  • Also covers peristalsis and segmentation

Learning Outcomes

  • List and explain the functions of the digestive system
  • Discuss the histology of the digestive tract
  • Describe and distinguish between peristalsis and segmentation
  • Explain these concepts by using sketches

Six Main Functions of the Digestive System

  • Ingestion is the intake of food
  • Mechanical Processing involves the physical breakdown of food
  • Digestion is the chemical breakdown of food
  • Secretion is the release of enzymes, acids, and buffers
  • Absorption is the movement of nutrients into the bloodstream
  • Excretion is the removal of waste products

Digestive Tract Anatomy

  • Major organs include the oral cavity (mouth), pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus
  • Accessory organs include the teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas

Histology of the Digestive Tract

  • Layers of the small intestine from innermost to outermost: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa

Purpose of Plica Circularis and Villi

  • Plica circularis and villi increase the surface area for absorption in the small intestine

Peristalsis

  • Involves contraction of circular muscles behind bolus and longitudinal muscles ahead of bolus to move food forward

Segmentation

  • Segmentation involves localized contractions that mix food with digestive juices

Pacesetter Cells

  • Pacesetter cells are responsible for the contraction of smooth muscles in the digestive tract

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