Digestive System Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to the digestive system, including digestion types, organ functions, and related disorders.

What is mechanical digestion?

The process of physically breaking down food into smaller pieces.

What helps in the mouth during digestion?

Tonsils, tongue, incisors, soft palate, and uvula.

What is chemical digestion?

Involves enzymes that break down organic molecules into building blocks for absorption.

What are the four layers of the alimentary canal from inside out?

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa.

What type of epithelium is found in the stomach and intestines?

Simple columnar epithelium.

What is the function of submucosa in the digestive system?

Rich in blood vessels, it brings in nutrients and helps with their absorption.

What is peristalsis?

Rhythmic wave-like contractions that help move food and waste through the digestive tract.

What is the role of serosa in the digestive system?

It acts as a protective layer and secretes serous fluid.

What are accessory organs in the digestive system?

Organs that assist with digestion but food does not pass through them, such as the salivary glands, liver, and pancreas.

What is the function of bile?

Emulsifies fats to break them down into smaller pieces.

What is the main function of the small intestine?

Chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients.

What digestive enzymes does the pancreas release?

Proteinases, lipases, and amylase.

What keeps food from going into the nasopharynx?

The soft palate and uvula.

What is a hiatal hernia?

A tear in the esophageal hiatus in the diaphragm that may contribute to heartburn.

What digestive processes occur in the mouth?

Both mechanical digestion and chemical digestion, mainly of carbohydrates.

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Severe pain in the upper quadrant and pain in the back by shoulder blades.

What is intrinsic factor?

A substance released by the stomach that helps with the absorption of Vitamin B12.

What happens during the defecation reflex?

It is normally triggered by a meal and involves mass peristalsis.

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, causing severe heartburn.

What are the major hormones in the digestive system?

Gastrin, secretin, and cholecystokinin (CCK).