Digestive System Functions and Organs
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the digestive system?

  • To produce hormones for metabolism
  • To store nutrients for future use
  • To break down food into nutrient molecules (correct)
  • To eliminate toxins from the body
  • Which of the following is NOT part of the alimentary canal?

  • Stomach
  • Large intestine
  • Liver (correct)
  • Esophagus
  • What process involves the rhythmic local constrictions of the small intestine?

  • Segmentation (correct)
  • Peristalsis
  • Mechanical breakdown
  • Swallowing
  • Which accessory digestive organ is primarily responsible for producing bile?

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

    During digestion, what are the main steps that break down complex food molecules?

    <p>Digestion and enzymatic action (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process of eliminating indigestible substances from the body called?

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

    What role do salivary glands play in digestion?

    <p>They produce secretions to help break down food (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which activity is considered a form of propulsion in the digestive system?

    <p>Peristalsis in the esophagus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main functions of the tongue in the oral cavity?

    <p>Forming a bolus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary enzyme found in saliva that initiates the breakdown of starch?

    <p>Amylase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure is primarily responsible for closing off the nasopharynx during swallowing?

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

    What type of salivary gland is located anterior to the ear and external to the masseter muscle?

    <p>Parotid gland (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of cell in the salivary glands produces watery secretion and enzymes?

    <p>Serous cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What provides the roughness to the superior surface of the tongue?

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

    What is the primary composition of saliva?

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

    What function does saliva NOT perform?

    <p>Initiates protein digestion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity?

    <p>To allow mobile digestive organs to glide easily across each other (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following organs is classified as an intraperitoneal organ?

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

    What is the role of mesentery in the digestive system?

    <p>To suspend organs and provide routes for blood vessels and nerves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes organs that are located outside the peritoneum?

    <p>Retroperitoneal organs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which layer of the alimentary canal is responsible for secretion and absorption?

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

    What does the enteric nervous system primarily control?

    <p>The motility of the gastrointestinal tract (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure suspends the liver from the diaphragm?

    <p>Falciform ligament (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition results from inflammation of the peritoneum?

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

    Which layer of the alimentary canal is characterized by a smooth muscle layer responsible for segmentation and peristalsis?

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

    Which type of reflex is mediated entirely by enteric nerve plexuses?

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

    What is the outermost layer of the alimentary canal called?

    <p>Serosa (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of neurons in the digestive system?

    <p>They enhance mental awareness during digestion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do sympathetic signals have on digestion?

    <p>Decrease motility and inhibit digestion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors can provoke digestive activity?

    <p>Mechanical and chemical stimuli (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of dental caries?

    <p>Demineralization of enamel and dentin from bacterial action (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition results from neglected gingivitis?

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

    What is the composition of the esophageal mucosa?

    <p>Stratified squamous epithelium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does calculus affect the gums?

    <p>It disrupts the seal between gingivae and teeth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structure prevents food from entering the esophagus when not swallowing?

    <p>Gastroesophageal sphincter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if an impacted tooth is left untreated?

    <p>Abscess formation in the jaw (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which layer of the esophagus has a mixed muscular composition?

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

    What happens during the process of plaque formation on teeth?

    <p>Bacteria produce acid that dissolves calcium salts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary digestive function of the liver?

    <p>Production of bile (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure stores and concentrates bile?

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

    What is the function of the liver sinusoids?

    <p>Filter and process blood (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What substance is primarily responsible for giving feces its brown color?

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

    What is the common result of gallstones obstructing bile flow?

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

    What is the primary role of stellate macrophages in liver sinusoids?

    <p>Remove debris and old red blood cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of tissue regenerates faster than hepatocytes in cases of cirrhosis?

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

    What percentage of bile salts are typically recycled during enterohepatic circulation?

    <p>95% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What anatomical feature separates the right and left lobes of the liver?

    <p>Falciform ligament (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the composition of bile?

    <p>Bile salts and bilirubin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the pharynx and esophagus in digestion?

    <p>Transportation of food to the stomach (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phase of deglutition involves voluntary muscle contraction?

    <p>Buccal phase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach?

    <p>Activates pepsin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the rugae in the empty stomach?

    <p>Allow for stomach expansion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the gastric mucosal barrier?

    <p>To protect the stomach lining (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically triggers the cough reflex during swallowing?

    <p>Food entering the respiratory passageways (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cell type in the stomach secretes intrinsic factor?

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

    What can cause gastritis in the stomach?

    <p>Breaches in the mucosal barrier (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential consequence of a gastric ulcer?

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

    What is the primary reason for the stomach's ability to expand from 50 ml to 4 L?

    <p>Structure of rugae (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which stomach region is continuous with the duodenum through the pyloric valve?

    <p>Pyloric region (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How often are surface mucosal cells in the stomach replaced?

    <p>Every 3-6 days (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the essential functions of the stomach related to vitamin B12?

    <p>Secretion of intrinsic factor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure anchors the large intestine to the posterior abdominal wall?

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

    What is the primary role of gastrin in gastric secretion?

    <p>Stimulates HCl secretion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT stimulate gastric secretion during the gastric phase?

    <p>Presence of acidic chyme (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism prevents overfilling of the duodenum?

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

    Which component does NOT contribute to the formation of HCl in the stomach?

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

    What phase of gastric secretion is primarily initiated by the sight and smell of food?

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

    What effect does emotional stress have on gastric secretion?

    <p>Inhibits gastrin secretion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone released by duodenal enteroendocrine cells inhibits gastric secretion?

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

    During which gastric phase is the majority of gastric juice released?

    <p>Gastric phase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is released when the stomach is stimulated by distension?

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

    Which mechanism primarily initiates the formation of alkaline tide in the blood?

    <p>Export of HCO3− into blood (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the vagus nerve play in gastric secretion?

    <p>Stimulates gastric glands during cephalic phase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT part of the enterogastric reflex?

    <p>External sphincter activation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component primarily contributes to gastric mixing through contractile activity?

    <p>Enteric pacemaker cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one common cause of vomiting (emesis)?

    <p>Bacterial toxins (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What results from excessive vomiting in terms of blood pH?

    <p>Alkalosis due to H+ loss (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Oral Cavity Function

    Ingestion, mechanical breakdown (chewing), initiation of propulsion (swallowing), and the start of polysaccharide digestion.

    Hard Palate

    Part of the palate formed by the palatine bones and palatine processes of the maxillae.

    Soft Palate Function

    Closing off the nasopharynx during swallowing with the uvula.

    Tongue's Role in Digestion

    Gripping, repositioning, mixing of food to form a bolus, swallowing, speech, taste.

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    Filiform Papillae

    Gives the tongue its rough texture for gripping food and contains no taste buds.

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    Salivary Gland Function

    Cleanse mouth, dissolve food for taste, moisten food, and start starch digestion.

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    Major Salivary Glands

    Parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands located outside the oral cavity, producing most saliva.

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    Saliva Composition

    Mostly water, enzymes (amylase), and protective substances (lysozyme, IgA, defensins).

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    Visceral peritoneum

    Membrane covering the external surface of most digestive organs.

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    Parietal peritoneum

    Membrane lining the abdominal cavity wall.

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    Peritoneal cavity

    Space between visceral and parietal peritoneum, filled with serous fluid.

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    Mesentery

    Double-layered peritoneum connecting abdominal wall to organs.

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    Intraperitoneal organs

    Organs located within the peritoneum.

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    Retroperitoneal organs

    Organs located outside the peritoneum.

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    Greater omentum

    Fat-containing mesentery draped over the abdominal organs.

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    Histology of Alimentary Canal

    Structure of the digestive tract's wall layers of tunics.

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    Mucosa

    Innermost layer of the alimentary canal wall; does absorption and secretion.

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    Submucosa

    Connective tissue layer beneath the mucosa; contains blood/lymph.

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    Muscularis

    Smooth muscle layer responsible for gut movements (peristalsis, segmentation).

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    Serosa

    Outermost layer (mostly visceral peritoneum), coating the digestive organs.

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    Enteric nervous system

    Gut's own nervous system; controls motility (movement).

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    Peritonitis

    Inflammation of the peritoneum.

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    Short reflexes

    Reflexes mediated entirely by the enteric nervous system.

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    What is the main function of the digestive system?

    The digestive system breaks down food into nutrient molecules, absorbs these molecules into the bloodstream, and eliminates indigestible remains.

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    What are the two main groups of organs in the digestive system?

    The digestive system consists of the alimentary canal (GI tract) and accessory digestive organs.

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    What are the organs of the alimentary canal?

    The organs of the alimentary canal are the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, and anus.

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    What are the accessory digestive organs?

    Accessory digestive organs include teeth, tongue, gallbladder, salivary glands, liver, and pancreas.

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    What are the six essential activities of food processing?

    Ingestion, propulsion, mechanical breakdown, digestion, absorption, and defecation are the six activities involved in food processing.

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    What is peristalsis?

    Peristalsis is the wave-like contraction and relaxation of muscles in the alimentary canal that propels food through the system.

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    What is segmentation?

    Segmentation is the rhythmic contractions of the small intestine that mix food with digestive juices and enhance absorption.

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    What is the difference between digestion and absorption?

    Digestion involves breaking down complex food molecules into smaller units, while absorption involves the passage of these units into the bloodstream.

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    Dental Caries

    Demineralization of tooth enamel and dentin caused by bacterial action, leading to cavities.

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    Dental Plaque

    A sticky film on teeth composed of sugar, bacteria, and debris, which can lead to cavities.

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    Calculus

    Hardened dental plaque that disrupts the seal between teeth and gums, leading to gingivitis.

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    Gingivitis

    Inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria, usually caused by calculus buildup.

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    Impacted Tooth

    A tooth that remains trapped in the jawbone, often causing pain and pressure.

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    Oropharynx Function

    The part of the pharynx that allows the passage of food, fluids, and air.

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    Esophagus Function

    A muscular tube that transports food from the pharynx to the stomach.

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    Gastric Secretion Regulation

    The process of controlling the amount and composition of gastric juice, a mix of digestive fluids produced by the stomach.

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    Neural Mechanisms in Gastric Secretion

    The nervous system's role in regulating gastric juice production via nerve signals.

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    Hormonal Mechanisms in Gastric Secretion

    Chemical messengers (hormones) that influence gastric juice production.

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    Gastrin

    Hormone that stimulates HCl secretion by the stomach.

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    Cephalic Phase of Gastric Secretion

    The 'thinking' phase where gastric juice production is stimulated by food anticipation.

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    Gastric Phase of Gastric Secretion

    The phase when food reaches the stomach and triggers most of the gastric juice release.

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    Intestinal Phase of Gastric Secretion

    The phase where partially digested food enters the small intestine and regulates gastric juice production.

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    Enterogastric Reflex

    A reflex where the small intestine sends signals to the stomach to slow down gastric juice production.

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    Enterogastrones

    Hormones released by the small intestine that inhibit gastric juice production.

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    Mechanism of HCl Formation

    The process by which parietal cells in the stomach produce hydrochloric acid (HCl).

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    Alkaline Tide

    The increase in bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) in the blood as a result of HCl production.

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    Regulation of Gastric Motility and Emptying

    The process of controlling the muscular contractions of the stomach to move and empty food.

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    Receptive Relaxation

    The ability of the stomach to expand and accommodate incoming food.

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    Enterogastric Reflex in Emptying

    The small intestine sends signals to the stomach to slow down emptying when it's full.

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    Vomiting (Emesis)

    The forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.

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    Deglutition Phases

    Swallowing has two phases:

    1. Buccal (voluntary): Tongue pushes food into the oropharynx.
    2. Pharyngeal-esophageal (involuntary): Swallowing center in brain stem controls this phase, stopping breathing briefly.
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    Stomach's Role

    The stomach temporarily stores food, initiates protein digestion by converting food into chyme, and releases chyme into the small intestine.

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    Stomach Expansion

    The stomach can expand significantly, from 50 ml when empty to 4 L when full, thanks to folds called rugae.

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    Stomach Regions

    The stomach has 4 main regions:

    1. Cardia: Surrounds the opening from the esophagus.
    2. Fundus: The dome-shaped top region.
    3. Body: The middle section.
    4. Pyloric region: The lower section with a valve (pyloric sphincter) controlling food release.
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    Mesenteries & Omenta

    Mesenteries attach the stomach to other digestive organs:

    1. Lesser omentum: Connects to the liver.
    2. Greater omentum: Drapes over the intestine, spleen, and transverse colon, contains fat and lymph nodes, and blends with the mesocolon (for anchoring).
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    Heartburn Cause

    Heartburn happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, often due to overeating, obesity, pregnancy, or a hiatal hernia (stomach protrusion).

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    Stomach Wall Structure

    The stomach wall has 4 layers, like most digestive organs, but with an extra muscle layer (oblique) for churning and a unique mucosa.

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    Stomach Mucosa

    The stomach's mucosa is made of simple columnar epithelium; it's protected by a mucous layer and contains gastric pits that lead to gastric glands.

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    Parietal Cell Secretions

    Parietal cells in the stomach secrete:

    1. HCl: Activates pepsin and denatures proteins.
    2. Intrinsic factor: Needed for vitamin B12 absorption.
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    Chief Cell Secretion

    Chief cells secrete pepsinogen, an inactive enzyme that is activated to pepsin (for protein digestion) by HCl and pepsin itself.

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    Mucosal Barrier Protection

    The stomach is protected from its harsh environment by a thick mucus layer, tight junctions between cells, and quick replacement of damaged cells.

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    Gastritis & Ulcers

    Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by bacteria or NSAIDs. Persistent damage can lead to ulcers and potentially bleeding.

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    Stomach's Digestive Processes

    The stomach holds food, mixes it, breaks it down mechanically, starts protein digestion with HCl and pepsin, and absorbs some substances like alcohol.

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    Intrinsic Factor's Role

    Intrinsic factor is essential for vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine, which is crucial for red blood cell maturation. Lack of it leads to pernicious anemia.

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    What is the function of bile?

    Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps in fat digestion. It acts as an emulsifier, breaking down large fat globules into smaller droplets, increasing their surface area for digestion by enzymes.

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    Where is bile stored?

    Bile is stored in the gallbladder, a small sac-like organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder concentrates the bile by absorbing water and ions, making it more potent.

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    What does the pancreas secrete?

    The pancreas secretes pancreatic juice, which contains digestive enzymes for breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It also secretes bicarbonate, which neutralizes the acidic chyme from the stomach, protecting the small intestine.

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    What is the largest gland in the body?

    The liver is the largest gland in the body, weighing about 3 pounds. It has a vital role in many functions, including digestion, detoxification, and protein synthesis.

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    What is the main function of the liver in digestion?

    The liver's main function in digestion is to produce bile. Bile is a substance that helps break down fats into smaller droplets, making them easier to digest.

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    What happens in the liver sinusoids?

    Liver sinusoids are leaky capillaries located between hepatic plates. Blood from both the hepatic portal vein and hepatic artery flows through them, allowing for nutrient and oxygen exchange, and removal of waste products.

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    What is enterohepatic circulation?

    Enterohepatic circulation is the recycling process of bile salts. Bile salts are reabsorbed in the small intestine, return to the liver via the blood, and are reused in the production of new bile.

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    What is the consequence of gallstones?

    Gallstones can obstruct the flow of bile from the gallbladder, leading to pain and potential complications like jaundice (yellowing of skin).

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    What are the main functions of the liver?

    The liver performs numerous functions, including production of bile, detoxification of harmful substances, processing bloodborne nutrients, storage of vitamins, and production of plasma proteins.

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    What is cirrhosis?

    Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by scar tissue replacing healthy liver tissue. It can be caused by chronic hepatitis, alcoholism, or other factors.

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    Study Notes

    Digestive System Functions

    • The digestive system takes in food, breaks it down into nutrients, absorbs these nutrients, and eliminates waste.

    Digestive System Organs

    • Alimentary Canal (GI Tract): A continuous muscular tube from mouth to anus. It digests food, absorbs nutrients, and expels waste. Includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.

    • Accessory Digestive Organs: These organs assist in digestion. Teeth, tongue, and gallbladder are accessory organs. Salivary glands, liver, and pancreas are digestive glands that produce secretions aiding in the breakdown of food.

    Digestive Processes

    • Ingestion: Taking food into the body.

    • Propulsion: Moving food through the alimentary canal. This includes:

    • Swallowing: The process of moving food from the mouth to the pharynx.

    • Peristalsis: Wave-like muscle contractions that propel food along the digestive tract.

    • Mechanical Breakdown: Physical processes that break down food. This includes:

    • Chewing: Mechanical breakdown in the mouth.

    • Mixing food with saliva by the tongue: Movement and mixing of food.

    • Churning food in the stomach: Mixing and grinding within the stomach.

    • Segmentation: Rhythmic contractions of the small intestine to mix food and digestive juices, increasing absorption efficiency.

    • Digestion: Chemical breakdown of complex food molecules into simpler ones with enzymes.

    • Absorption: The uptake of digested nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and water into the bloodstream or lymph.

    • Defecation: The elimination of indigestible waste from the body.

    Digestive System Relationships

    • Peritoneum: Serous membranes lining the abdominal cavity have two layers:

    • Visceral peritoneum: Covers digestive organs.

    • Parietal peritoneum: Lines the body wall.

    • Peritoneal cavity: Space between the two layers; contains serous fluid for lubrication.

    • Mesenteries: Double layers of peritoneum that connect organs to the body wall. They hold organs in place, provide routes for blood vessels and nerves, and store fat.

    • Greater omentum: Drapes over the abdominal organs.

    • Lesser omentum: Connects the liver to the stomach.

    • Falciform ligament: Suspends the liver.

    • Mesentery proper: Connects the small intestine to the posterior abdominal wall.

    • Mesocolon: Connects the large intestine to the posterior abdominal wall.

    • Intraperitoneal organs: Organs within the peritoneum (stomach, etc.).

    • Retroperitoneal organs: Organs behind the peritoneum (most of the pancreas, etc.).

    • Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum (potentially life-threatening).

    Histology of the Alimentary Canal

    • Four Basic Layers (Tunics): All digestive organs have the same four layers.
    • Mucosa: Innermost lining involved in secretion, absorption, and protection. Primarily contains simple columnar epithelium (with stratified squamous in the mouth, esophagus and anus). Also contains lymphoid follicles (MALT).
    • Submucosa: Connective tissue layer containing blood and lymphatic vessels, and elastic fibers.
    • Muscularis: Smooth muscle layer responsible for mixing and movement (peristalsis and segmentation) with inner circular muscle and outer longitudinal layers. Sphincters are thickened circular areas that act as valves.
    • Serosa: Outermost layer (visceral peritoneum) except in the esophagus (adventitia - dense connective tissue). Retroperitoneal organs have both serosa & adventitia.

    Enteric Nervous System

    • "Gut Brain": The enteric nervous system is the digestive system's own nervous system, consisting of enteric neurons communicating widely.

    • Short & Long Reflexes:

    • Short reflexes: Mediated entirely by the enteric nervous system; respond to stimuli within the GI tract.

    • Long reflexes: Involve the central nervous system (CNS) and autonomic nerves. Affect digestive activity outside or inside the GI tract (Parasympathetic enhances, Sympathetic inhibits).

    Control of Digestive Activity

    • Digestive activities are triggered by mechanical and chemical stimuli (responding to stretch, osmolarity, pH, and substrate presence).
    • Effectors (smooth muscles & glands) initiate reflexes for movement and activation/inhibition of digestive glands.
    • Nervous system controls include intrinsic (short reflexes from the gut brain) and extrinsic (long reflexes through the autonomic nervous system).
    • Hormones from digestive system organs trigger other cells in the same or different organs to secrete or contract.

    Mouth and Associated Organs

    • The mouth initiates ingestion, mechanical (chewing), propulsion (swallowing), and digestion.
    • Palate: Divided into hard (bone) and soft (muscle) portions; important during swallowing.
    • Tongue: Composed of skeletal muscle for repositioning, mixing, creating the food bolus, swallowing, and taste. Its papillae aid in texture recognition and speech.
    • Salivary Glands: Produce saliva to cleanse, dissolve food for taste, moisten food for swallowing, and to initiate starch digestion. Contains water, salivary amylase, lysozyme, IgA antibodies, and defensins.

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    Description

    Explore the intricate workings of the digestive system, including its main functions and key organs. This quiz covers the alimentary canal, accessory organs, and various digestive processes such as ingestion and propulsion. Test your knowledge on how our body processes food and absorbs nutrients.

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