CCMA Training Notes: Digestive/Gastrointestinal System

What is the primary function of the digestive/gastrointestinal system?

To break down food into nutrients that the body can use.

What are the 2 main divisions of the gastrointestinal tract?

1. Upper GI Tract

2. Lower GI Tract.

What 9 structures are included in the oral cavity?

1. Lips

2. Soft Palate

3. Hard Palate

4. Uvula

5. Tongue

6. Soft Tissues

7. Dental Arches

8. Teeth

9. Salivary Glands.

What is the role of the pharynx in digestion?

It serves as a passageway for both respiration, digestion, and aids in swallowing.

What is the function of the esophagus?

It is a muscular tube that transports food from the throat to the stomach.

What is the stomach's role in digestion?

It receives food from the esophagus and begins the digestion process.

What is the small intestine's function?

It absorbs nutrients from digested food.

What are the 4 major divisions of the large intestine?

1. Cecum

2. Colon

3. Rectum

4. Anus

What is the function of the liver in the gastrointestinal system?

To remove toxins from the blood and convert food into fuel + nutrients.

What does the gallbladder do?

It stores bile produced by the liver.

How does the pancreas contribute to digestion?

It secretes digestive juices into the small intestine to aid in digesting food.

What is digestion?

The process of breaking down complex foods into nutrients in forms usable by the body.

What are the main 6 types of nutrients the body needs?

1. Carbohydrates

2. Fats

3. Proteins

4. Vitamins

5. Minerals

6. Water.

What is metabolism?

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms, including anabolism and catabolism.

What is absorption in the context of the gastrointestinal system?

The process through which completely digested nutrients are transported to cells throughout the body.

What is mastication?

The process of chewing food and mixing it with saliva.

What does deglutition refer to?

The act of swallowing.

What is peristalsis?

Wave-like contractions of smooth muscle that move food through the digestive tract.

What are gastric juices?

Fluids produced by the stomach containing hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes.

What is chyme?

The semi-liquid mass of partially digested food that exits the stomach.

What occurs in the duodenum?

Chyme is mixed with pancreatic juices and bile, facilitating nutrient absorption.

How does the large intestine function in waste management?

It stores waste products and reabsorbs excess water before elimination.

What is defecation?

The process of evacuating or emptying the large intestine.

What are 6 common Oral Cavity disorders?

1. Aphthous ulcers

2. Cheilosis

3. Herpes labialis

4. Oral thrush

5. Xerostomia

6. Cleft palate.

What is bruxism?

Involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often associated with stress.

What is dental caries?

Tooth decay or cavities caused by bacterial infection.

What is halitosis?

Bad breath, an unpleasant odor in the mouth, often due to dental or gastric issues.

What is gingivitis?

Early inflammation of the gums, often a precursor to periodontal disease.

What does dysphagia refer to?

Difficulty swallowing due to various medical conditions affecting the throat or esophagus.

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, characterized by the upward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus.

What is gastritis?

Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by bacteria or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

What is peptic ulcer?

Sores affecting the mucous membranes of the digestive system that can occur in the stomach or the 1st part of the small intestine, usually caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of NSAIDs.

What is anorexia?

An eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight and fear of gaining weight.

What does bulimia involve?

Bouts of overeating followed by purging, fasting, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.

What is dehydration?

Loss of fluids exceeding fluid intake, disrupting the body's electrolyte balance.

What is celiac disease?

An autoimmune disorder leading to a severe reaction to gluten.

What is lactose intolerance?

Inability to digest dairy products due to lack of the enzyme lactase.

What is diverticulitis?

Inflammation or infection of diverticula in the colon.

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

A condition causing cramping, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

A chronic condition causing inflammation and ulcers in the rectum and large intestine.

What defines a hernia?

The protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening.

What is Ascites?

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity that can cause abdominal swelling and discomfort.

What is jaundice?

Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes due to excess bilirubin in the bloodstream, often indicating liver dysfunction or disease.

What is hepatitis?

Inflammation of the liver, often due to a viral infection or excessive alcohol consumption, leading to liver damage and dysfunction.

What are gallstones?

Hard deposits formed in the gallbladder that can cause pain, nausea, and digestive problems.

What is cholangitis?

Inflammation of the bile duct caused by a bacterial infection, often leading to jaundice and abdominal pain.

What does cholecystitis refer to?

Inflammation of the gallbladder caused by a blockage of the bile ducts, often due to gallstones, leading to pain in the upper right abdomen.

What is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

Fat accumulation in the liver of individuals who do not consume large amounts of alcohol.

What is the mechanism of emesis?

The reflex action of vomiting, expelling stomach contents through the mouth.

What is intestinal obstruction?

A blockage in the intestine, preventing the normal passage of contents.

What are hemorrhoids?

Swollen veins in the anal region that can cause discomfort or bleeding during bowel movements, often resulting from increased pressure.

What is eructation?

The act of belching or the escape of gas from the stomach through the mouth as a result of the release of air swallowed while eating or drinking.

What is aerophagia?

The excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking which can lead to bloating and discomfort.