Digestive System: Salivary Glands, Liver, Pancreas, and Gallbladder Functions

acessory organs

organs outside the alimentary canal

What are the two primary functions of salivary glands?

To lubricate food and secrete salivary amylase.

Which cells in the salivary glands are responsible for secreting salivary amylase?

Serous cells.

What is the primary secretion type of the parotid gland?

Mostly serous.

What is the primary secretion type of the sublingual gland?

Mostly mucus.

What is the primary secretion type of the submandibular gland?

Mixed (serous and mucus).

List three metabolic functions of the liver.

Processing glucose into glycogen, producing plasma proteins, and storing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).

What substances are produced during bile production in the liver?

Bilirubin and cholesterol.

Which two blood vessels supply the liver?

The hepatic artery and the hepatic portal vein.

What organs provide venous blood to the hepatic portal vein?

The pancreas, spleen, and digestive organs.

What are the three structures found in a portal triad?

A bile duct, the hepatic artery, and the hepatic portal vein.

What are the functional cells of the liver called?

Hepatocytes.

What are the channels that carry blood from the hepatic artery and portal vein to the central vein?

Sinusoids.

What is the function of Kupffer cells in the liver?

They are macrophages that perform phagocytosis within the sinusoids.

What is the primary function of the gallbladder?

To store bile.

What are the exocrine cells of the pancreas called?

Acini cells.

What do acini cells secrete into the pancreatic duct?

Digestive enzymes and bicarbonate ions (HCO3).

What are the endocrine structures of the pancreas called?

Islets of Langerhans.

Which hormones are secreted by the Islets of Langerhans?

Insulin and glucagon.

What percentage of pancreatic function is attributed to exocrine activity?

95%.

What percentage of pancreatic function is attributed to endocrine activity?

2%.