APII Lecture Test 4: Digestive System Overview

Stages of Digestion

Five distinct phases of food processing.

Alimentary Canal

Continuous tube from mouth to anus.

Accessory Organs

Organs aiding digestion, not part of canal.

Muscularis Mucosa

Thin muscle layer in digestive tract walls.

Muscularis Externa

Two muscle layers facilitating peristalsis.

Meissner's Plexus

Nerve network controlling digestive secretions.

Auerbach's Plexus

Nerve network controlling gut motility.

Retroperitoneal

Organs located behind the peritoneum.

Oral Cavity Functions

Ingestion, digestion, taste, and speech.

Salivary Glands

Three glands producing saliva for digestion.

Deglutition

Process of swallowing food.

Gastric Pits

Depressions in stomach lining containing glands.

HCl Secretion

Produced by parietal cells in gastric pits.

Lacteal

Lymphatic vessel in intestinal villi.

Crypts of Lieberkühn

Intestinal glands secreting digestive enzymes.

Hepatic Triad

Structure of bile duct, artery, and vein.

Kupffer Cells

Liver macrophages that filter blood.

Bile Composition

Contains bile salts, bilirubin, and cholesterol.

Micelle

Fatty structure aiding lipid absorption.

Chylomicrons

Transport lipids from intestines to tissues.

Gastric Phase

Phase of digestion stimulated by food presence.

Insulin

Hormone regulating blood glucose levels.

Diabetes Mellitus

Chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation.

Absorptive State

Period after eating when nutrients are absorbed.