Human Digestive System Flashcards

Flashcards about the human digestive system and related diseases.

What is the main function of the human digestive system?

Physical and chemical breakdown of food so it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and used by body cells and tissues.

What are the two main components of the digestive system?

The alimentary canal and accessory organs.

What is the role of the mouth (buccal cavity) in digestion?

To receive food, taste it, and physically break it down.

What are teeth and what is their function?

Special structures in the mouth that physically break down food by chewing and grinding (mastication).

What is the role of the tongue in digestion?

A muscular organ with taste buds that aids in chewing and swallowing.

What is the hard palate?

Bony structure that forms the roof of the mouth, separating it from the nasal cavity.

What is the soft palate?

Separates the mouth from the nasopharynx.

What is the function of saliva produced by the salivary glands?

To lubricate the mouth, moisten food, and begin the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates via salivary amylase.

Name the three major salivary glands.

Sublingual, submandibular, and parotid glands.

What is the pharynx (throat)?

A structure that carries both air and food.

What is the esophagus?

A muscular tube dorsal to the trachea that receives food from the pharynx and carries it to the stomach.

What is peristalsis?

Rhythmic, wavelike, involuntary muscle movement that moves food forward.

What are rugae?

Folds in the mucous membrane lining of the stomach that disappear as the stomach fills.

What is the cardiac sphincter?

Circular muscle between the esophagus and stomach that prevents food from going back up.

What is the pyloric sphincter?

Circular muscle between the stomach and small intestine that keeps food in the stomach until it's ready to enter the small intestine.

What is chyme?

A semifluid material created from food in the stomach by gastric juices.

What are the functions of hydrochloric acid in gastric juices?

Kills bacteria, facilitates iron absorption, and activates pepsin.

What is the function of lipase in gastric juices?

Starts the chemical breakdown of fats.

What is the function of pepsin in gastric juices?

Starts the chemical breakdown of proteins.

What is the function of rennin?

Aids in the digestion of milk (infants only).

What are the three sections of the small intestine?

Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

What happens in the duodenum?

Bile (from gallbladder and liver) & pancreatic juices enter here.

What happens in the jejunum?

Absorption takes place here.

What happens in the ileum?

Connects with large intestine at cecum.

What is the overall function of the small intestine?

To complete digestion and absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.

What are villi?

Fingerlike projections lining the walls of the small intestine.

What is the function of blood capillaries in villi?

Absorb digested nutrients and carry them to the liver.

What is the function of lacteals in villi?

Absorb most of the digested fats.

What is the function of the large intestine?

To absorb water and any remaining nutrients, store indigestible materials, and synthesize/absorb some B & K vitamins.

Name the accessory organs of the digestive system.

Liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

What are the functions of the liver?

To secrete bile, store iron and vitamins, detoxify substances, and destroy bacteria.

What is the function of the gallbladder?

To store and concentrate bile.

What are the functions of the pancreas?

To produce pancreatic juices and insulin.

What is appendicitis?

Acute inflammation of the appendix.

What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

Abdominal pain in RUQ, nausea & vomiting, mild fever, elevated wbc count.

What happens if the appendix ruptures?

Infectious material spills inside body → very serious condition!

What is the treatment for appendicitis?

Appendectomy.

What is cholecystitis?

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

What are the symptoms of cholecystitis?

Indigestion, nausea & vomiting, pain that starts under ribcage and radiates to R shoulder.

What is the treatment for cholecystitis?

Low-fat diet, cholecystectomy.

What is cirrhosis?

Chronic destruction of liver cells with formation of fibrous/scar tissue.

What are some general causes of cirrhosis?

Hepatitis, chemical toxins, malnutrition associated with alcoholism.

What are the symptoms of cirrhosis?

Liver enlargement, anemia, nosebleeds, N&V, indigestion, jaundice.

What is the treatment for cirrhosis?

Proper nutrition, vitamin supplements, avoid alcohol.

What is colon cancer?

Cancerous cells grow in the colon.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Blood in stool, changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, pain during BM, continued urges to defecate.

What is the treatment for colon cancer?

Surgical removal of affected area, chemotherapy, radiation.

What is constipation?

Fecal material remains in colon too long, causing excessive reabsorption of H₂O → feces become difficult to eliminate.

What are some causes of constipation?

Poor bowel habits, low-fiber diet, some digestive diseases, and chronic laxative use.

What is the treatment for constipation?

High-fiber diet, exercise, adequate fluids.

What is diabetes?

Inability to manage glucose in blood…due to insufficient amount of insulin production, OR insensitivity to insulin.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

↑ urine output, excessive thirst, hunger, fatigue, slow-healing wounds, tingling/numbness in feet/toes.

What is diarrhea?

Frequent watery stools.

What are some causes of diarrhea?

Infection, stress, diet, irritated colon, toxic substances.

What is the treatment for diarrhea?

Eliminate the cause, provide adequate fluid intake, modify diet.

What is gastroenteritis?

Inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines stomach & intestinal tract.

What are some causes of gastroenteritis?

Food poisoning, infections, toxins.

What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?

Abdominal cramping, N&V, fever, diarrhea.

What is the treatment for gastroenteritis?

Rest, increased fluid intake…severe cases may need abx, IV fluids, meds to slow peristalsis.

What are hemorrhoids?

Painful, dilated/varicose veins of rectum and/or anus.

What is the treatment for hemorrhoids?

High-fiber diet, increased fluid intake, stool softeners, warm/moist compresses, surgery if necessary (hemorrhoidectomy).