digestive

What is the esophagus?

The esophagus is a collapsible tube about 10 inches long that extends from the pharynx to the stomach. It lies just anterior to the spinal column and transports food to the stomach.

What is the stomach?

The stomach is a hollow organ located in the left upper quadrant and protected by the lower left ribs. It stores and begins digestion of food.

What is chyme?

Chyme is the thoroughly mixed semisolid mass of digested food found in the stomach. Mnemonic: Chyme rhymes with slime.

How much gastric juice does the stomach produce daily?

The stomach produces approximately 1.5 liters of gastric juice each day to aid digestion.

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is a flat, solid organ located below and behind the liver and behind the peritoneum. It has both exocrine and endocrine functions.

What does the exocrine pancreas produce?

The exocrine pancreas secretes nearly 2 liters of pancreatic juice daily to help digest food.

What does the endocrine pancreas produce?

The endocrine pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, hormones that regulate blood glucose levels.

What is the function of insulin and glucagon?

Insulin and glucagon regulate the amount of glucose in the blood and help maintain normal blood sugar levels.

What is the liver?

The liver is a large, solid organ located beneath the diaphragm. It performs many important metabolic and filtering functions.

What does the liver do with poisonous substances?

The liver receives poisonous substances and renders them harmless before they can damage the body.

What important blood products are formed in the liver?

The liver forms blood clotting factors and substances needed for normal plasma production.

How much bile does the liver produce daily?

The liver produces between 0.5 and 1 liter of bile each day.

What is the liver's role in energy storage?

The liver is the primary organ for storing sugar or starch for future energy use.

How does blood pass through the liver?

Blood enters the liver through the portal vein. Approximately 25% of cardiac output passes through the liver each minute.

What is the small intestine?

The small intestine is the major hollow organ of the abdomen. It is responsible for most digestion and nutrient absorption.

What do cells in the small intestine produce?

Cells lining the small intestine produce enzymes and mucus that aid digestion.

What substances are absorbed through the small intestine?

Amino acids, simple sugars, fatty acids, and vitamins are absorbed through the intestinal wall.

Where are nutrients from the small intestine transported?

Absorbed nutrients are transported to the liver for processing.

What are the three parts of the small intestine?

The three parts of the small intestine are the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Mnemonic: Dow Jones Index = Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum.

What is bile?

Bile is a digestive substance produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It helps break down fats.

What are the components of the large intestine?

The large intestine consists of the cecum, colon, and rectum.

What is the function of the large intestine?

The large intestine absorbs water and remaining nutrients and forms solid stool.

Where is the appendix located according to these notes?

The appendix is located in the Right Upper Quadrant according to these study notes.

What is the rectum?

The rectum is the final portion of the large intestine where stool is stored before elimination.

What is the purpose of a sphincter?

Sphincters control the voluntary and automatic passage of liquids, gases, and solid waste from the gastrointestinal tract.