Functions of the Digestive System

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the digestive system?

To filter waste products from the blood

To provide nutrients for cells and tissues (correct)

To regulate body temperature

To transport oxygen throughout the body

Which of the following is NOT a process involved in digestion?

Respiration (correct)

Ingestion

Excretion

Absorption

What is another name for the digestive system?

Endocrine system

Gastrointestinal tract (correct)

Cardiovascular system

Nervous system

What does the term "alimentary canal" refer to?

The tube-like structure of the digestive system Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the alimentary canal is responsible for secreting gastric juices?

Mucosa Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the submucosa layer?

Nourishment, protection, and communication Signup and view all the answers

What type of movement is responsible for propelling food through the digestive system?

Peristalsis Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the alimentary canal is found outside of the peritoneal cavity?

Adventitia Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pyloric sphincter?

It releases food from the stomach into the small intestine. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the large intestine?

Col/o Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the peritoneum?

To hold organs inside the abdominopelvic cavity Signup and view all the answers

What composes bile?

Bilirubin and cholesterol Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the stomach is not divided into further sections?

Cardiac sphincter Signup and view all the answers

What does the term enter/o relate to?

Small intestine Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for emulsifying fats?

Liver Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the lower esophageal sphincter?

Gastroesophageal sphincter Signup and view all the answers

Which is the correct term for the rectum?

Rect/o Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is associated with the oral cavity?

Cheek Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the exocrine pancreas?

To secrete digestive enzymes Signup and view all the answers

Which salivary gland is located under the lower jaw?

Submandibular gland Signup and view all the answers

The tongue is associated with which root word?

Lingu/o Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms refers to the bile vessels?

Cholangi/o Signup and view all the answers

What does 'sial/o' refer to?

Saliva Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the stomach is divided into the pyloric antrum?

Pylorus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions of the Digestive System

The digestive system provides nutrients to cells and body tissues through four processes: ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination.
The system is also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or the alimentary canal.

Layers of the Alimentary Canal

The alimentary canal has four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa/adventitia.
Mucosa: secretes gastric juices, absorbs nutrients, and protects tissue through mucus production.
Submucosa: holds blood, lymphatic, and nervous tissues that nourish, protect, and communicate.
Muscularis: has muscles that contract and relax in a wavelike movement called peristalsis.
Serosa/Adventitia: outermost layer that has different names depending on its location.

Mouth and Salivary Glands

The oral cavity includes the mouth, lips, cheek, tongue, palate, upper and lower jaws, teeth, gums, and enamel.
Salivary glands produce saliva, which breaks down carbohydrates.
Types of salivary glands: parotid, submandibular, and sublingual.

Pharynx and Esophagus

The pharynx (throat) is divided into nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food to the stomach.

Stomach

The stomach is divided into three main sections: fundus, body, and pylorus.
The pylorus has three parts: pyloric antrum, pyloric canal, and pyloric sphincter, which regulates the release of food into the small intestine.

Small and Large Intestines

The small intestine includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, where most nutrient absorption occurs.
The large intestine, or colon, includes the cecum, appendix, and sigmoid colon, where water and electrolytes are absorbed.

Accessory Organs

The liver produces bile, which emulsifies fats, and is composed of bilirubin and cholesterol.
The gallbladder stores bile.
The pancreas has exocrine and endocrine functions, producing digestive enzymes and hormones.

Other Terms

Jaundice: a condition caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.
Ankyloglossia: a condition where the frenulum is too short or tight.
Frenotomy: a surgical procedure to cut the frenulum.
Pyloromyotomy: a surgical procedure to cut the pyloric sphincter.

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Description

Learn about the essential processes of the digestive system, including ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination. Understand how the GI tract works to provide nutrients to the body.