liver functions

Location and primary digestive function of the liver

Located in the right upper quadrant immediately inferior to the diaphragm; produces bile to break down fats for chemical digestion.

Left lobe of the liver

The smaller major lobe separated from the right lobe by the falciform ligament; contributes to bile production.

Right lobe of the liver

The larger major lobe containing the caudate and quadrate lobes; contributes to bile production.

Quadrate lobe of the liver

A subdivision of the right lobe located adjacent to the gallbladder.

Caudate lobe of the liver

A subdivision of the right lobe located adjacent to the inferior vena cava.

Location and function of the gallbladder

Attached to the inferior surface of the liver; stores and concentrates bile until needed for digestion.

Falciform ligament

A peritoneal fold between the right and left lobes of the liver that secures the liver to the anterior abdominal wall.

Round ligament of the liver

Located in the inferior free edge of the falciform ligament; serves as a remnant of the fetal umbilical vein.

Common hepatic duct

Duct formed by the merging of the left and right hepatic ducts that carries bile from the liver into the biliary apparatus.

Cystic duct

Duct connecting the gallbladder to the common hepatic duct, allowing bile to travel into and out of the gallbladder.

Common bile duct

Duct formed by the union of the common hepatic duct and cystic duct that extends inferiorly to carry bile to the duodenum.

Digestive function of bile

Breaks down (emulsifies) fats to assist in their chemical digestion.

Digestive secretions and function of the pancreas

Secretes pancreatic juice containing enzymes for chemical digestion and bicarbonate to neutralize acidic chyme.

Anatomical location of the pancreas

Retroperitoneal organ extending horizontally from the duodenum to the left abdominal cavity, touching the spleen.

Path of pancreatic juice into the GI tract

Pancreas → main pancreatic duct → major duodenal papilla → duodenum.

Digestive processing in the oral cavity

Food is chewed (mastication), mixed with saliva to form a bolus, and salivary amylase begins carbohydrate digestion.

Movement of the bolus through the pharynx

Swallowed and propelled toward the esophagus via pharyngeal muscle contractions.

Movement of the bolus through the esophagus

Propelled toward the stomach via peristalsis.

Digestive processing in the stomach

Churns and mixes the bolus with gastric acid and enzymes for chemical digestion, converting it into chyme.

Digestive processing in the duodenum

Chyme receives bile and pancreatic juice for chemical digestion, while bicarbonate neutralizes stomach acid.

Primary role of the jejunum

Serves as the primary region for chemical digestion and nutrient absorption.

Digestive processing in the ileum

Continues nutrient absorption and moves remaining material into the cecum through the ileocecal valve.

Digestive processing in the large intestine

Absorbs remaining water, electrolytes, and vitamins, turning liquid material into feces.

Functions of the rectum, anal canal, and anus

Rectum stores feces, anal canal directs feces to the exit, and anus allows elimination during defecation.

Complete sequential path of food through the GI tract

Oral cavity → pharynx → esophagus → stomach → duodenum → jejunum → ileum → cecum → ascending colon → transverse colon → descending colon → sigmoid colon → rectum → anal canal → anus.

Transformation of bolus in the stomach

The bolus is processed with gastric secretions and becomes chyme.

Role of salivary gland secretions

Produce saliva to moisten food, assist in bolus formation, and supply salivary amylase for initial carbohydrate breakdown.

Overall role of accessory digestive organs

Produce or store secretions (such as bile and pancreatic juice) that assist the GI tract in chemical digestion.