Digestivw

What are the specialized functions of the digestive system anatomy?

Mechanical digestion, chemical digestion, and absorption.

What layers make up the structure of the gastrointestinal tract?

Mucosa, Submucosa, Muscularis Externa, Serosa.

What are the main functions of the mucosa in the digestive system?

Secretion, absorption, protection.

What is the role of Muscularis Externa in the GI tract?

Responsible for peristalsis (propulsion) and segmentation (mixing).

What enzymes are secreted by parietal cells in the gastric phase?

HCl and intrinsic factor.

What distinguishes the three regions of the small intestine?

Duodenum: receives bile and enzymes; Jejunum: most nutrient absorption; Ileum: absorbs vitamins and bile salts.

What are the structural adaptations of the small intestine that aid absorption?

Plicae circulares, villi, microvilli, enterocytes, goblet cells.

What is the main function of the large intestine?

To absorb water & vitamins and compact feces.

What regulates the ileocecal valve?

Gastroileal reflex and gastrin.

What are the two types of sphincters involved in defecation?

Internal (involuntary) and External (voluntary).

How is defecation triggered?

By stretch receptors leading to a parasympathetic reflex.