Questions and Answers
What are the three main parts of the digestive system?
Upper GI tract, Lower GI tract, Accessory organs
Which of the following are parts of the upper GI tract?
What is the function of the oral cavity in the digestive system?
Begins preparation of food for digestion
The pharynx is only involved in digestion.
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What is the main function of the small intestine?
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The ______ stores bile and releases it into the small intestine.
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Match the accessory organs with their functions:
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Study Notes
Overview of the Digestive System
- Comprised mainly of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and accessory organs.
- Divided into three parts: upper GI tract, lower GI tract, and accessory organs.
Upper GI Tract
- Includes the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach.
- Transports food from entry to the point digestion starts in the stomach.
Oral Cavity (Mouth) Components
- Lips: Hold food during chewing; essential for breathing, speaking, and expressing emotions.
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Palate:
- Hard palate: Anterior part.
- Soft palate: Flexible posterior part that closes nasal passages during swallowing.
- Uvula: Hangs from soft palate, aids in swallowing and speech.
- Tongue: Strong and flexible, crucial for chewing, speaking, and swallowing.
- Dental Arches: Bony structures that secure teeth for chewing and speaking; consist of 32 permanent teeth.
- Gingiva (Gums): Specialized mucous membrane covering dental arches and surrounding teeth.
Saliva and Salivary Glands
- Colorless liquid that maintains mouth moisture, aids dental health, and starts digestion by lubricating food.
Functions of Upper GI Tract Organs
- Mouth: Initiates food preparation for digestion.
- Pharynx: Transports food from mouth to esophagus, also involved in swallowing.
- Esophagus: Muscular tube connecting pharynx to stomach for food transport.
- Stomach: Breaks down food and mixes it with gastric juices for digestion, protected by mucus.
Lower GI Tract
- Referred to as the bowels; includes small and large intestines, rectum, and anus.
- Completes digestion and prepares waste for expulsion.
Small Intestine
- Extends from the stomach to the large intestine, crucial for further digestion and nutrient absorption.
Large Intestine
- Wider but shorter than the small intestine; prepares waste for excretion.
- Major parts include cecum, colon, rectum, and anus.
Functions of Lower GI Tract Organs
- Small Intestine: Mixes chyme with digestive juices; completes digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Large Intestine: Absorbs excess water and solidifies waste for elimination.
- Rectum & Anus: Control solid waste excretion.
Accessory Organs
- Composed of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Functions of Accessory Organs
- Liver: Largest organ; secretes bile and enzymes for fat digestion.
- Gallbladder: Stores bile and releases it into the small intestine when needed.
- Pancreas: Secretes digestive juices and enzymes into the small intestine as required.
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Description
Explore the intricacies of the digestive system, focusing on the gastrointestinal tract and its essential parts. This quiz delves into the upper and lower GI tracts, along with accessory organs, to highlight their functions and interactions. Test your knowledge on how these components work together for digestion.
