Digestive system

What are the main components of the digestive (GI) tract?

Mouth, Pharynx, Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Rectum, Anus.

What are the accessory organs of the digestive system?

Teeth, Tongue, Salivary Glands, Gall Bladder, Liver, Pancreas.

What are the primary functions of the digestive system?

Ingestion, Mechanical processing, Digestion, Secretion, Absorption, Excretion.

What is the function of the mucosa in the GI tract?

Consists of an inner lumen, outer epithelium, and lamina propria; involved in secretion and absorption.

What types of epithelium are present in the GI tract?

Stratified squamous in high-pressure areas and simple columnar elsewhere.

What is the function of the muscularis externa?

Helps with churning and mixing food; consists of inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layers.

What is the role of the serosa in the GI tract?

Covers the muscularis externa and stabilizes the GI tract.

What are the main functions of the stomach?

Temporary storage of ingested food, mechanical breakdown, chemical digestion, and production of intrinsic factor for Vit B12 absorption.

What is chyme?

Ingested material mixed with glandular secretions, creating a viscous, highly acidic soup.

What types of secretions are found in the pancreas?

Digestive enzymes, juices, buffers, insulin, and glucagon.

What is the primary function of the liver?

Extract nutrients/toxins from the blood and monitor/adjust organic nutrients.

What are the functions of the large intestine?

Reabsorption of water, compaction of chyme into feces, absorption of vitamins, storage of feces.

What triggers the release of secretin from the pancreas?

High acid chyme arriving from the stomach.

What is the role of bile in digestion?

Helps in the digestion and absorption of fats.

What are the two feedback loops involved in defecation?

Short loop (local peristalsis from stretch receptors) and long loop (parasympathetic reflexes).