Human Digestive System Flashcards

A complete set of practice question-and-answer flashcards covering all five sources of lecture notes on the human digestive system, including anatomy, cell types, functions, and organ interactions.

What are the five main processes that take place in the human digestive system?

1. Ingestion, 2. Digestion (Mechanical and Chemical), 3. Absorption, 4. Assimilation, and 5. Excretion.

Which enzymes are released by the salivary glands when aromatic food is smelled?

Amylase (which breaks down carbs) and lipase (which breaks down lipids).

Which system controls the initial activation of the pancreas and liver upon smelling food?

The central nervous system (CNS) / extrinsic nervous system.

By what mechanism does the esophagus move the food bolus to the stomach?

Peristalsis.

Which ions are released in the stomach to lower pH, kill bacteria, and degrade food into chyme?

$H^+$ and $Cl^-$

What is pepsinogen and what function does its active form serve?

Pepsinogen is a zymogen released by stomach cells that is converted into pepsin, which cleaves proteins.

What secretions are provided by the pancreas to the small intestine during digestion?

Digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize pH.

What role does the liver play in digestion?

The liver makes bile for lipid absorption (to add water and reabsorb) and stores building blocks.

What is the specific function of the gallbladder?

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile.

What key hormones and substances are released by the pancreas?

Enzymes, bicarbonate, insulin, and glucagon.

What are the three main processes performed by the large intestine?

Dehydration, compaction, and elimination of indigestible material.

What structures form the anterior opening, lateral walls, anterior roof, and posterior roof of the oral cavity?

The lips (labia) protect the anterior opening, cheeks form the lateral walls, the hard palate forms the anterior roof, and the soft palate forms the posterior roof.

What is the uvula?

A fleshy projection of the soft palate.

What is the oral vestibule?

The space between the external lips/teeth and internal gums.

Where are tonsils located according to the lecture notes?

In the uvula, palatine, and lingual regions.

Which two sub-parts of the pharynx are specified in relation to the oral cavity and esophagus?

The oropharynx (posterior to the oral cavity) and the laryngopharynx (below the oropharynx and connected to the esophagus).

What are the four named regions of the stomach?

Cardiac region, Fundus, Body, and Pylorus.

What are rugae in the stomach?

The mucus lining in the stomach.

What are the functions of Mucous neck cells, Chief cells, Parietal cells, and Endocrine cells in the stomach?

Mucous neck cells secrete sticky alkaline mucus; Chief cells digest proteins by releasing pepsinogen; Parietal cells produce hydrochloric acid; and Endocrine cells produce gastrin.

What are the three sequential parts of the small intestine?

1. Duodenum (connects to the stomach and curves around the head of the pancreas), 2. Jejunum (anteriorly connected to the duodenum), and 3. Ileum (connects the jejunum to the large intestine).

What are villi and microvilli?

Villi are finger-like structures formed by the mucosa that increase surface area in the small intestine; microvilli are smaller projections found on enterocytes.

What is the cecum and what structure hangs from it?

The cecum is the sac-like first part of the large intestine, and the appendix (which stores lymphatic tissue and bacteria) hangs from it.

What are the four segments of the colon?

Ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon.

How do the digestive system and nervous system work together?

The digestive system provides glucose to execute cognitive functions and regulate body systems, while the nervous system provides coordination, motility, and normal blood flow.