Anatomy Lecture Notes

Flashcards for the digestive system

Digestive System

Responsible for bringing nutrients into the body, digestion of food, absorption of nutrients into the body's tissues, and elimination of waste products.

Structures of the Digestive System

Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine.

Mouth

Also known as the oral cavity, is the first place digestion begins taking place.

Teeth

Manually break down food by chewing.

Mastication

The process of chewing

Saliva

Contains digestive enzymes such as amylase, that help to break down carbohydrates.

Tongue

Assists with mastication by pressing food against the teeth.

Pharynx

Also known as the throat, is simply a passageway for food, water, and air on the way to their respective destinations.

Esophagus

A long tube that runs from the pharynx inferiorly, passes through the diaphragm, and connects to the stomach; transports food.

Peristalsis

Rhythmically contracts, it forces food further along in the organ.

Stomach

Powerfully churns the food, breaking it down manually; stomach acids like hydrochloric acid and pepsin mix with the food inside the stomach and further help to break down the food.

Pylorus

The bottom of the stomach, where food exits and enters into the small intestine.

Small intestine

Where the majority of absorption of nutrients occurs.

Accessory organs

Produce substances that help aid the small intestine in digestion.

Liver

Mainly acts as a blood detoxifier; it filters harmful substances from the blood. However, it aids in digestion by producing bile, a yellowish substance that aids in the emulsification of fats.

Gallbladder

To store bile and empty bile into the small intestine through the bile duct, which connects to the duodenum.

Pancreas

Creates pancreatic juice, which aids in the digestion of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.

Duodenum

The first section of the small intestine where digestion of food takes place; Bile and pancreatic juice mix with food in the duodenum and further break down substances.

Jejunum

Where the majority of nutrient absorption takes place in the small intestine.

Ileum

Final absorption occurs here before food moves into the large intestine.

Large intestine

Absorption of water and elimination of waste.

Four sections of the large intestine

Ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, and the sigmoid colon.