Digestive Functions

uvula

protects the nasopharynx during swallowing

tongue

contain taste buds for taste input

oropharynx and laryngopharynx

passageway for food from the mouth to the esophagus

nasopharynx

passageway for air

esophagus

passageway for food to the stomach

gastroesophageal sphincter

prevents reflux of stomach acid

stomach

mixes food with HCl and digestive enzymes to form chyme

pyloric sphincter

controls the entry of chyme into the duodenum

greater omentum

secures the stomach to the abdominal wall and to other organs

small intestines

completes chemical digestion; absorption of food molecules

circular folds

slow movement of chyme through the small intestine to increase time for absorption

villi

absorb food molecules and allow them to enter a blood capillary or lacteal

ileocecal valve

controls entry of waste into the large intestine

teniae coli

three bands of smooth muscle that pucker the large intestine
creating haustra

haustra

contract slowly to allow time for water absorption and to move waste to the next haustrum

vermiform appendix

fights infection

mesentary

secures small intestines

liver

produces bile, detoxifies blood, stores glycogen and fat-soluble vitamins

falciform ligament

attaches the liver to the diaphragm and abdominal wall

gall bladder

stores bile

common hepatic duct

transports bile away from the liver and into the bile duct

cystic duct

transports bile to and from the gall bladder

bile duct

transports bile to the duodenum

pancreas

produces digestive enzymes, hormones and pancreatic juice

main pancreatic duct

transports pancreatic juice and digestive enzymes to the duodenum

Hepatopancreatic ampulla and sphincter

control the entry of bile, digestive enzymes and pancreatic juice into the duodenum

salivary glands

produce saliva and salivary amylase