The Digestive System

Stomach

Collapsible, pouch-like structure in the upper-left part of the abdominal cavity, just below the diaphragm

Four major regions of the stomach:

Cardiac region, Fundus, Pylorus region, Duodenum

Esophagus

Ends at the stomach, where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)- called the cardiac sphincter.

Ingestion

Inserting something in mouth

Digestion

Breakdown of food

Absorption

Clinging onto cells

Small Intestine

Longest organ of the gastrointestinal tract

Three major divisions of the small intestine:

Duodenum, Jejunum, Iluem

Masticate

Chewing

Bolus

Soft-ball that passes through the esophagus

Peristalsis

Moves in a rhythmic, wave-like motion to the alimentary canal

Alimentary Canal

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract

Three pairs of salivary glands:

Parotids, Submandibular, Sublingual

Pharynx

Extends from the base of the skull to the esophagus

The pharynx consists of three parts:

Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Laryngopharynx

Epiglottis

A flap that covers the entrance of the larynx of the respiratory system

Large Intestine

Large tube extending from ileocecal valve (where it meets the small intestine) to the anus

Liver

Lies below the diaphragm in the abdominal-pelvic region and stores glycogen

Galbladder

A small sac-like structure that sits beneath the liver and aids digestion

Pancreas

A gland in the endocrine and digestive system

Endocrine gland

Produces several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and somatosatin

Exocrine gland

Secretes pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes that pass through the small intestine