Introduction to Digestive System

The process of breaking down food and fluids into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The mechanical and chemical processes that break down food into smaller molecules.

The process of taking nutrients from the digested food into the bloodstream.

The removal of waste products from the digestive system.

The digestive system can experience changes during pregnancy due to the hormone progesterone and the growing uterus.

The ileum is the longest part of the small intestine, measuring approximately 3.6 meters in length.

Chyme is the partially digested food that leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. It is mixed with intestinal secretions, bile and pancreatic juices to further break down food.

Peristalsis and segmentation are the two main movements of the small intestine. Peristalsis propels chyme forward, while segmentation mixes the chyme with digestive juices.

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine where absorption begins.

The mucosal layer of the small intestine has folds, villi, and microvilli that increase surface area for absorption.

The small intestine has an absorption surface area of roughly 30 square meters, which is very large.

The liver receives end products of digestion through the portal vein and performs metabolism on them.

Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, it helps with digestion and excretion.

The roof of the mouth. It is divided into the hard palate at the front and the soft palate at the back.

The hard palate is formed by the maxilla and palatine bones, while the soft palate is formed by muscle.

Three pairs of salivary glands produce digestive enzymes that pass into the mouth. These glands, along with small glands in the mouth, produce saliva.

The pharynx is a part of the throat involved in swallowing. The epiglottis, a flap of cartilage, covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway.

The oesophagus is a thin-walled muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It is about 25 cm long and helps transport food to the stomach.

Peristalsis is the process of muscle contractions that move food along the digestive tract. In the oesophagus, these contractions move boluses of food from the pharynx to the stomach.

The cricopharyngeal sphincter at the top of the oesophagus prevents air from entering the oesophagus during breathing. The cardiac sphincter at the bottom prevents the contents of the stomach from flowing back up into the oesophagus.

The stomach is a J-shaped organ that stores food. The stomach walls are arranged in folds called rugae, which allow the stomach to expand to accommodate a large volume of food.

The process of breaking down food into energy that cells can use.

The state when your body is digesting and absorbing nutrients from food.

The state when your body is using stored energy from previous meals.

The state when your body runs out of stored energy and starts breaking down fat for fuel.

Increased hunger and thirst during pregnancy.

A temporary change in food preferences during pregnancy.

A slowed down digestion during labor.

A rare but serious lung condition that can occur if a pregnant woman receives general anesthesia during labor.

The large intestine is about 1.5 meters long and is responsible for absorbing water, electrolytes, and vitamins from the digested food (chyme).

The large intestine is divided into two main parts: the caecum and the colon. The colon is further divided into the ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon.

The appendix is a small, finger-like projection attached to the caecum. Its exact function is still debated, but it may play a role in immune function.

The rectum is the final section of the large intestine, about 20 cm long, which stores waste before defecation.

The anus is the opening at the end of the rectum through which waste is expelled. It has two sphincters, the internal and external anal sphincter, which control the passage of waste.

The internal anal sphincter is under involuntary control, meaning we can't consciously control it. It is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system.

The external anal sphincter is under voluntary control, meaning we can consciously control it. It is controlled by the somatic nervous system.

Defecation is the process of expelling waste from the body. It occurs due to a coordinated contraction and relaxation of the internal and external anal sphincters, known as the defecation reflex.