Hominids, Hips, and Hunger

Flashcards generated from lecture notes on digestion and related systems.

List the four organ systems discussed.

Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory, and Urinary Systems.

Describe an incomplete digestive system.

One-way, saclike digestive cavity.

Describe a complete digestive system.

A tube with an opening at each end.

What are the major tasks of the digestive system?

Break up, mix, and move food material; Secrete enzymes; Digest food; Absorb nutrients and fluids; Eliminate wastes.

What is unique about the stomach of ruminants like antelopes?

Multiple chambers allow rechewing and breakdown of cellulose.

Describe the human digestive system.

A complete system with many specialized organs, about 6.5 to 9 meters long.

List the major components of the human digestive system.

Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, anus.

What are the accessory organs of the digestive system?

Salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas.

What are the four types of human teeth?

Incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.

What is the function of incisors?

Bite off chunks.

What is the primary function of canine teeth?

Tear.

What is the primary function of premolars and molars?

Grind.

What are the components of saliva?

Salivary amylase, bicarbonate, mucins, and water.

Describe the process of swallowing.

Tongue forces food into pharynx; epiglottis closes trachea; bolus moves into esophagus.

What is chyme?

A thick mixture of food and gastric fluid.

How are proteins digested in the stomach?

Hydrochloric acid denatures proteins, pepsin breaks proteins into amino acids.

What is an ulcer?

Erosion of the stomach or small intestine wall.

What are the three regions of the small intestine?

Duodenum, jejunum, ileum.

What are the intestinal secretions and their functions?

Disaccharidases, peptidases, nucleases.

List the pancreatic enzymes secreted into the duodenum.

Pancreatic amylase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, pancreatic nucleases.

What is the role of bile in fat digestion?

Emulsifies fats by breaking them into small droplets.

What is the function of villi in the small intestine?

Increase surface area for absorption.

How are nutrients absorbed into the body from the small intestine?

Glucose and amino acids enter blood vessels, triglycerides enter lymph vessels.

What is the main function of the large intestine (colon)?

Concentrates and stores feces.

What role do bacteria play in the colon?

Produce vitamin K.

Describe the process of defecation.

Distension triggers reflex; anal sphincter relaxes; external sphincter can prevent defecation.

Name three colon malfunctions.

Appendicitis, constipation, colon cancer.