Gastrointestinal Function and Regulation
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the gastrointestinal tract?

  • To produce secretions that arise from the pancreas and gallbladder
  • To serve as a portal for absorption of nutrients and water into the body (correct)
  • To regulate the autonomic nervous system
  • To digest food through the action of gastrointestinal muscles

    • What is the first secretion encountered when food is ingested?

  • Saliva (correct)
  • Pancreatic juice
  • Bile
  • Gastric juice

    • What is the primary constituent of salivary secretions that serves to initiate digestion of starch?

  • Lysozyme
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Amylase (correct)
  • Mucin

    • What is the relative tonicity of saliva compared to plasma?

    <p>Hypotonic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nervous system branch plays the most prominent role in controlling salivary secretion?

    <p>Parasympathetic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of immunoglobulin A in salivary secretions?

    <p>To protect the oral cavity from bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of the alkaline nature of saliva?

    <p>To neutralize gastric secretions that reflux into the esophagus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of the surface area of the intestine?

    <p>Very substantial</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Overview of Gastrointestinal Function & Regulation

    • The primary function of the gastrointestinal tract is to absorb nutrients and water into the body.
    • The meal mixes with secretions from the gastrointestinal tract and organs like the pancreas, gallbladder, and salivary glands.
    • The gastrointestinal tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, rectum, and anus.

    Gastrointestinal Secretions

    Salivary Secretion

    • Saliva is the first secretion encountered during digestion, produced by three pairs of salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands).
    • Saliva has organic constituents that initiate digestion (starch breakdown by amylase) and protect the oral cavity from bacteria (immunoglobulin A and lysozyme).
    • Salivary secretions differ in proteinaceous and mucinous components based on the number of serous and mucous salivary acinar cells.
    • Saliva is hypotonic and alkaline, neutralizing gastric secretions that reflux into the esophagus.
    • Salivary secretion is controlled by neural influences, primarily the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, with slight modifications by sympathetic input.
    • Saliva facilitates swallowing, keeps the mouth moist, serves as a solvent for taste buds, aids speech, and keeps the mouth and teeth clean.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the primary function of the gastrointestinal tract, including the absorption of nutrients and water, and the role of various secretions and organs.

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