Emésztőrendszer: Gyomor és Vékonybél

Stomach

• The stomach is a hollow organ located below the diaphragm
• Function: stores food
• Parts: cardiac region, fundus, body, pylorus, greater and lesser curvature
• Capacity: Maximum capacity is about 1 litre, Ideal about 2 litres
• Stomach acid: pH is acidic (about 1.5-3.5)
• Stomach acid contents: contains water, digestive juices, and hydrochloric acid
• Muscle contractions: smooth muscle contractions (peristalsis) break down food further
• Function of stomach: protein, carbohydrates and fat breakdown

Small Intestine

• Length: about 5 meters long
• Parts: duodenum, jejunum, ileum
• Sections: Duodenum, Ileum, Jejunum
• Plicae: The inner surface is lined with folds, called plicae circularis, that increase the surface area for digestion and absorption.
• Villi: Tiny finger-like projections called villi further increase the surface area.
• Microvilli: Tiny projections on the surface of the villi further increase the surface area.
• Function: further digestion and absorption of nutrients

Large Intestine

• Length: about 1.5 meters long
• Sections: cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum
• Function: absorb water and electrolytes into the blood; form and store feces
• Feces: undigested food material
• Importance: the remaining water & electrolytes are absorbed and feces is stored in the rectum for elimination

Accessory Organs

• Pancreas: aids in digestion, produces digestive enzymes, which break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats
• Liver: produces bile which aids in fat digestion
• Gallbladder: stores and concentrates bile
• Role of bile: important for the digestion and absorption of fats.

Digestion Summary

• Digestion: 4-6 hours
• Absorption: 2-3 hours