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Questions and Answers
What is one of the primary functions of the digestive system?
What is one of the primary functions of the digestive system?
What type of digestion occurs in the digestive system?
What type of digestion occurs in the digestive system?
How does pregnancy influence the digestive system?
How does pregnancy influence the digestive system?
What is a key outcome of the digestive process?
What is a key outcome of the digestive process?
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Why is the digestive system essential for cellular functions?
Why is the digestive system essential for cellular functions?
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What is the primary function of the brush border in the small intestine?
What is the primary function of the brush border in the small intestine?
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Which mechanisms are involved in the absorption of substances in the small intestine?
Which mechanisms are involved in the absorption of substances in the small intestine?
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Where does absorption in the small intestine primarily begin?
Where does absorption in the small intestine primarily begin?
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What is the main role of bile in the digestive system?
What is the main role of bile in the digestive system?
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How much bile does the liver produce on average each day?
How much bile does the liver produce on average each day?
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What type of substances are primarily absorbed into the blood capillaries found in the villi?
What type of substances are primarily absorbed into the blood capillaries found in the villi?
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What process occurs during the absorptive state?
What process occurs during the absorptive state?
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What is the function of the pancreatic duct in relation to the small intestine?
What is the function of the pancreatic duct in relation to the small intestine?
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During which state does the body initially utilize stored glycogen?
During which state does the body initially utilize stored glycogen?
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What is the approximate surface area available for absorption in the small intestine?
What is the approximate surface area available for absorption in the small intestine?
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What happens to triglycerides during the starvation state?
What happens to triglycerides during the starvation state?
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Which of the following is a common physiological change during pregnancy?
Which of the following is a common physiological change during pregnancy?
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What is a potential risk during labor concerning the digestive system?
What is a potential risk during labor concerning the digestive system?
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What condition is characterized by excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?
What condition is characterized by excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?
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What gastrointestinal issue might pregnant women face due to altered digestion?
What gastrointestinal issue might pregnant women face due to altered digestion?
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Which symptom might occur during labor related to gastrointestinal function?
Which symptom might occur during labor related to gastrointestinal function?
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What is the approximate length of the large intestine?
What is the approximate length of the large intestine?
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Which part is not a division of the colon?
Which part is not a division of the colon?
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What is primarily absorbed in the large intestine?
What is primarily absorbed in the large intestine?
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What is the function of the internal anal sphincter?
What is the function of the internal anal sphincter?
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How long is the rectum and anus combined?
How long is the rectum and anus combined?
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Which sphincter is under voluntary control?
Which sphincter is under voluntary control?
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What is the main function of the soft palate?
What is the main function of the soft palate?
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What initiates the defecation reflex?
What initiates the defecation reflex?
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How many pairs of salivary glands are present in the mouth?
How many pairs of salivary glands are present in the mouth?
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Which structure is attached to the caecum?
Which structure is attached to the caecum?
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What structure prevents air from entering the oesophagus during inspiration?
What structure prevents air from entering the oesophagus during inspiration?
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What is the primary role of hydrochloric acid in the stomach?
What is the primary role of hydrochloric acid in the stomach?
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What is created when the bolus is mixed with gastric secretions in the stomach?
What is created when the bolus is mixed with gastric secretions in the stomach?
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Which part of the small intestine is primarily responsible for the initial digestion of food?
Which part of the small intestine is primarily responsible for the initial digestion of food?
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What process enables the transportation of food through the oesophagus?
What process enables the transportation of food through the oesophagus?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Digestive System
- All cells require energy and nutrients for chemical processes, largely derived from ingested food and liquids.
- The digestive system's role involves breaking down food and fluids into smaller molecules for absorption into the bloodstream.
- It also removes waste products from the body.
- Digestive function can be impacted by hormonal changes, such as increased progesterone during pregnancy, which can exacerbate related issues.
The Mouth, Salivary Glands & Pharynx
- Teeth: 20 deciduous (milk) and 32 permanent teeth.
- Palate: The roof of the mouth, including a hard palate formed by the maxilla and palatine bones and a soft palate formed by muscle.
- Salivary Glands: Three pairs produce digestive enzymes, mixed with secretions from smaller glands within the mouth for digestion.
- Pharynx: Plays a crucial role in swallowing, where the epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea.
Oesophagus
- Peristalsis: Muscular contractions that transport food boluses from the pharynx to the stomach.
- Length: Approximately 25cm.
- Sphincters: Two sphincters regulate movement:
- Cricopharyngeal: Prevents air from entering the esophagus.
- Cardiac: Prevents regurgitation of stomach contents.
Stomach
- Structure: A J-shaped organ with folds (rugae) allowing expansion.
- Function: Stores food, mixes it with gastric secretions (including hydrochloric acid), creating chyme, a semi-fluid mass.
- Gastric emptying: Takes 2-6 hours after eating.
- Absorption: Limited absorption of nutrients.
Small Intestine - Digestion
- Length: Approximately 6.5 meters.
- Divisions: Duodenum (25cm), Jejunum (2.5m), and Ileum (3.6m).
- Chyme mixing: With intestinal secretions, bile, and pancreatic juices for further digestion.
- Mechanisms: Peristalsis and segmentation transport and break down chyme.
Small Intestine - Absorption
- Absorption start: In the duodenum.
- Absorption surface: Folded mucosa and villi and microvilli significantly increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.
- Absorption method: Via various mechanisms like passive and facilitated diffusion, and active transport.
- Nutrient delivery: Absorbed substances enter blood capillaries in the villi, transporting them to the liver for metabolism via the portal vein.
Accessory Organs - Liver, Gall Bladder & Pancreas
- Liver: Produces bile (750-1000ml daily), a greenish-yellow alkaline substance that aids digestion.
- Gall bladder: Stores bile.
- Pancreas: Secretes pancreatic juices (1500ml daily) containing digestive enzymes through the pancreatic and accessory ducts.
Large Intestine & Appendix
- Length: Approximately 1.5 meters.
- Parts: Caecum, ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon.
- Function: Primary role is water and electrolyte absorption and storage of waste material.
Rectum & Anus
- Final portion of the GI tract (20cm).
- Sphincters: Internal (involuntary) and external (voluntary), control elimination.
- Defecation: Coordinated contraction and relaxation of these sphincters.
Metabolism of Food
- Metabolism: Process by which food (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) is converted into usable energy.
- Absorption state: During digestion; excess glucose stored as glycogen and excess fats stored as triglycerides.
- Post-absorptive state: Glycogen stores are used during fasting.
- Starvation state: Triglycerides are broken down, producing ketones as energy source.
Impact of Physiological Changes During Pregnancy
- Physiological changes in the digestive system during pregnancy can lead to a variety of symptoms, including: --Increased appetite and thirst --Food cravings & food aversions (pica) --Nausea and vomiting (NVP); Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) --Heartburn and acid reflux --Constipation, haemorrhoids, gingivitis; excessive saliva (ptyalism) --Increased risk of food poisoning, gall stones, risk of intrahepatic cholestasis.
Digestive System During Labour
- Eating and drinking during labour is often permitted depending upon established guidelines and factors.
- Possible complications exist from changes in gastric emptying and potential for risk of Mendelson's syndrome for those who require general anaesthetic.
- Other concerns: Nausea & vomiting; diarrhoea; constipation.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of the digestive system, including its functions, components, and the role of associated structures such as the mouth and esophagus. It also discusses how hormonal changes can affect digestive function, especially during pregnancy. Test your knowledge of this essential biological system!
