Chapter 9 Digestive System Test Review

The Digestive System

Liver

located on RUQ of abdomen; storage of nutrients until they are needed by the body and filtration and removal of chemicals, waste products, and old blood cells from the bloodstream; produces bile; converts carbohydrates called glycogen to glucose (sugar) when the body's cells need energy.

Pancreas

located posterior to the stomach; responsible for producing many different enzymes that aid in the digestion process. Pancreatic enzymes are secreted into the duodenum in an alkaline fluid that neutralizes chyme, an acidic fluid that passes from the stomach to the small intestine.

Salivary glands

Sublingual gland is found under the tongue. The submandibular gland is located on the floor of the mouth. The parotid gland lies anterior to the ears. These three salivary glands secrete amylase, an enzyme that aids in the chemical breakdown of starches.

Tongue

muscular organ attached to the floor of the mouth. It aids in mastication (physical breakdown of food in the mouth, or chewing)

Anus

the opening at the lower end of the digestive tract through which fecal waste is eliminated. Two anal sphincters work together to control the flow of fecal matter from the body. One sphincter is composed of voluntary muscle; the other contains involuntary muscle.

Spleen

located in LUQ of abdomen; filters blood, destroys and gets rid of old erythrocytes, stores thrombocytes and leukocytes; largest organ in lymphatic system.

Sigmoid colon

connected to the distal end of the descending colon and leads into the rectum.

Transverse colon

longest part of the colon. Located between the ascending colon and the descending colon, the transverse colon horizontally crosses the abdomen.

Mouth

At the beginning of the digestion process, food enters the digestive tract through the mouth. The labia, or lips, protect the anterior opening of the mouth, and the cheeks, or buccae, form the lateral walls of the mouth; A mucous membrane lining covers the entire area of the mouth, protecting the mouth's delicate internal structures.

Esophagus

food or fluid then enters the esophagus, the mucous membrane-lined muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach; runs through the thoracic (chest) cavity past the diaphragm to the stomach. At the end of the esophagus is a ring-like muscle called the cardiac sphincter, which controls the flow of substances (food and liquid) between the esophagus and the stomach.

Gallbladder

sac-like organ on the posterior side of the liver; bile, a fluid that aids in the digestion of fatty foods, is stored.

Rectum

last section of the colon, functions as a storage area for solid waste (feces) until defecation can occur.

Stomach

A sac-like organ composed of three major areas: the fundus, the body, and the antrum; secretes acid and enzymes that digest food; receives food from the esophagus. Food usually remains in the stomach for 1-4 hours

Appendix

LRQ of abdomen; sits at junction of small and large intestine; vestigial organ.

Descending colon

extends from the transverse colon inferiorly along the left side of the abdominal cavity to the sigmoid colon.

Small intestine

Chemical digestion continues in the small intestine, and absorption of nutrients begins within the small intestine’s twisted passageways. The small intestine is the longest section of the digestive system, averaging 17 to 20 feet in an adult. 1 inch in diameter. Process of digestion is completed here. There are 3 sections of the small intestine: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Ascending colon

Travels upward from the cecum to the undersurface of the liver.

Pharynx

Throat; posterior to the nasal and oral cavities and posterior to the larynx (voice box).

Gastroenterologist

A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Eructation

The release of gas from the stomach through the mouth; commonly known as belching.

Hematemesis

Vomiting blood.

Emesis

Vomiting.

Halitosis

Bad breath; may be caused by dental, digestive, or respiratory disease.

Flatus

Gas expelled through the anus.

Bariatrics

The field of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of obesity.

Laxative

Drug that stimulates bowel movements.

Antiemetic

Drugs that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting.

Acid blocker

Group of drugs that block acid production in the stomach.

Occult Blood Test

Test used to detect hidden blood in feces.

Teeth

Hard structures in the mouth that break down food by chewing.

Large intestine (colon)

absorbs liquid (water) and remaining indigestible materials (feces) which are excreted from the body at the anus; 5 feet long/ 2 inches in diameter; 6 parts: cecum/appendix, ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid, rectum.

Peristalsis

The involuntary movement of substances through a series of contractions.

Mastication

Physical breakdown of food in the mouth, known as chewing.

Chyme

When acidic gastric juices mix with partially digested food in the stomach, the result is a pulpy substance called chyme.

What is the route of food through the digestive tract?

Mouth → Pharynx → Esophagus (upper & lower esophageal sphincter) → Stomach (pyloric sphincter) → Small intestine (duodenum → jejunum → ileum) → Ileocecal sphincter/valve → Large intestine (cecum → ascending colon → transverse colon → descending colon → sigmoid colon) → Rectum → Anus (internal and external sphincters).

What are sphincters?

Sphincters separate the organs of the GI tract. They also control the entrance of food into the tract, control progression of material along the tract, prevent reflux of material, and control elimination of feces.

What causes cyanosis?

Cyanosis is caused by low oxygen levels in the blood, often due to respiratory or circulatory issues.

What causes jaundice?

Jaundice results from excess bilirubin (substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells) in the blood, often due to liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or hemolysis. (Textbook Definition: Yellow discoloration of the skin and other tissues due to high blood levels of bilirubin, a yellow substance in bile.)

What causes cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is caused by chronic liver damage from conditions such as alcohol abuse, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease.

What is the description of a registered dietitian?

A registered dietitian (RD) supervises the preparation and serving of food in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and schools. Registered dietitians work with physicians to develop therapeutic diets and educate patients about adopting nutritional habits for optimum health and wellness.

What does a gastroenterologist do?

A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in diseases and conditions of the digestive system. Examples include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, colon cancer, liver diseases, and inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A gastroenterologist is an internal medicine doctor. Education and training include a four-year college degree, four years of medical school, and a three-year residency in internal medicine followed by a three-year fellowship in gastroenterology. Most gastroenterologists earn board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American College of Gastroenterology.