Digestive System Overview

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, organs, functions, and disorders of the digestive system as noted in the lecture.

What is the main purpose of the digestive system?

To digest, absorb, and metabolize nutrients.

What are the main organs of the digestive system?

Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.

What is the function of salivary amylase?

It begins the digestion of carbohydrates.

What are the five basic activities of the digestive system?

1. Ingestion, 2. Peristalsis, 3. Digestion, 4. Absorption, 5. Defecation.

What is the role of the uvula in the digestive system?

It prevents food and liquid from entering the nasal cavities during swallowing.

How many types of teeth are there and what are their names?

Four types: incisors, cuspids, bicuspids, and tricuspids.

What is GERD and what causes it?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease; caused by backflow of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus.

What is the function of the pyloric sphincter?

It closes the opening of the pylorus to retain food and facilitate partial digestion.

What are gallstones composed of?

Crystallized bile pigments and calcium salts.

What causes hepatitis?

Inflammation of the liver caused by toxins, bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

What is the length of the small intestine?

Approximately 20 feet (6 meters).

What is appendicitis?

Inflammation or infection of the appendix.

What is the main purpose of the digestive system?

To digest, absorb, and metabolize nutrients.

What are the main organs of the digestive system?

Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.

What is the function of salivary amylase?

It begins the digestion of carbohydrates.

What are the five basic activities of the digestive system?

1. Ingestion, 2. Peristalsis, 3. Digestion, 4. Absorption, 5. Defecation.

What is the role of the uvula in the digestive system?

It prevents food and liquid from entering the nasal cavities during swallowing.

How many types of teeth are there and what are their names?

Four types: incisors, cuspids, bicuspids, and tricuspids.

What is GERD and what causes it?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease; caused by backflow of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus.

What is the function of the pyloric sphincter?

It closes the opening of the pylorus to retain food and facilitate partial digestion.

What are gallstones composed of?

Crystallized bile pigments and calcium salts.

What causes hepatitis?

Inflammation of the liver caused by toxins, bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

What is the length of the small intestine?

Approximately 20 feet (6 meters).

What is appendicitis?

Inflammation or infection of the appendix.

What are the accessory organs of digestion?

Liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

What is chyme?

The semi-fluid mass of partly digested food expelled by the stomach into the duodenum.

What are villi and what is their function?

Small, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.

What is the primary role of pepsin in the stomach?

An enzyme that begins the digestion of proteins in the stomach.

What process is known as chewing?

Mastication.

What is a bolus?

A small, rounded mass of a substance, especially of chewed food at the moment of swallowing.

What structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?

The epiglottis.

What is the muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach?

The esophagus.

What is the rhythmic contraction of smooth muscles that propels food through the digestive tract?

Peristalsis.

What are the components of gastric juice?

Hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsin, intrinsic factor, and mucus.

What cells in the stomach produce hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor?

Parietal cells.

What is the role of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach?

It denatures proteins, kills most bacteria, and activates pepsinogen into pepsin.

Which hormone stimulates the secretion of gastric juice?

Gastrin.

What are the three sections of the small intestine in order?

Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

What is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system?

The small intestine.

Which accessory organ produces bile?

The liver.

What is the function of bile in digestion?

It emulsifies fats, breaking them into smaller droplets for easier digestion by lipases.

Which accessory organ stores and concentrates bile?

The gallbladder.

What are the exocrine functions of the pancreas?

Produces pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, proteases) and bicarbonate.

What is the role of bicarbonate secreted by the pancreas?

It neutralizes the acidic chyme from the stomach, creating an optimal environment for small intestinal enzymes.

What enzyme from the pancreas digests carbohydrates?

Pancreatic amylase.

What enzyme from the pancreas digests fats?

Pancreatic lipase.

What enzymes from the pancreas digest proteins?

Trypsin and chymotrypsin.

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

Water and electrolyte absorption, formation and storage of feces, and housing beneficial bacteria.

What is the final section of the large intestine that stores feces before defecation?

The rectum.

What is jaundice and what causes it?

Yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes due to accumulation of bilirubin, often caused by liver disease or bile duct obstruction.

What is an ulcer in the digestive system, commonly called a peptic ulcer?

An open sore in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or NSAID use.

What is the primary function of intrinsic factor produced by the stomach?

Essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.