WEEK 5 WED : Digestive System: Alimentary Canal, Accessory Organs, Nutrients, Vitamins, and Diseases

A comprehensive set of practice questions covering the digestive system, including the alimentary canal, organs, nutrients, vitamins, and common diseases and disorders.

What is the alimentary canal?

Organs forming a pathway extending from the mouth to the anus.

What are the two main movements that move and mix contents in the alimentary canal?

Churning (in the stomach) and peristalsis (wave-like contractions moving contents through the tract).

What is peristalsis?

Involuntary constriction and relaxation of intestinal muscles that push contents forward.

What is churning?

The mixing of substances in the stomach by smooth muscles.

What are rugae?

Gastric folds in the stomach that allow it to expand.

What is mastication?

Chewing; the process of breaking down food in the mouth.

What does the mouth do in digestion?

Initiates digestion through chewing and saliva.

What do teeth do in digestion?

Decrease the size of food particles through chewing.

What do salivary glands do?

Produce saliva to begin the digestive process.

What is the pharynx?

Throat; passageway between the mouth and esophagus, also part of the respiratory system.

What is the esophagus?

Tube connecting the mouth to the stomach that uses peristalsis to move food.

What is the appendix?

A thin tube joined to the large intestine; in children it has immune functions and serves as a reservoir for beneficial bacteria.

What is the large intestine (colon) responsible for?

Absorption of nutrients and formation of feces; divided into sections.

What are the sections of the large intestine?

Cecum, Ascending, Transverse, Descending, Sigmoid; Rectum.

Where is the appendix located and what is its role?

Attached to the cecum; contributes to immune function in youth and houses beneficial bacteria.

What does the liver do in digestion?

Produces bile needed to break down fats.

Where is the liver located?

Right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen.

What does the gallbladder do?

Stores bile; connects to the duodenum.

What does the pancreas do?

Produces enzymes that aid digestion; connects to the duodenum.

What are the main sections of the small intestine?

Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum.

What is the duodenum?

The first section of the small intestine.

What is the jejunum?

The second section of the small intestine; major site of nutrient absorption.

What is the ileum?

The third section of the small intestine; absorption occurs there.

What is the stomach's role in digestion?

Receives food from the esophagus, continues breakdown with gastric juices, and propels chyme to the small intestine; contains rugae; located in the LUQ.

What are vitamins?

Organic compounds required in small amounts; classified as water-soluble and fat-soluble.

What are water-soluble vitamins?

Not stored in the body; absorbed into bloodstream; excess is excreted in urine; must be replenished regularly; examples include Vitamin C and B-complex.

What are fat-soluble vitamins?

Stored in body fat and can be stored for months; do not need frequent intake; examples include vitamins A, D, E, and K.

What is Vitamin A used for?

Vision and reproduction.

What is Vitamin D used for?

Bone health and calcium absorption.

What is Vitamin E used for?

Immune support and antioxidant effects; may help protect cells.

What is Vitamin K used for?

Blood clotting and bone health.

What are the main nutrients absorbed by the digestive system?

Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, Vitamins, Minerals, and Water.

What is the role of carbohydrates in the body?

Broken down into glucose; primary source of energy for cells.

What are proteins used for in the body?

Required for structure, function, regulation; essential for tissue repair and growth.

What are minerals and why are they important?

Elements needed for bones, muscles, heart, and brain function; found in bones and teeth.

What is the function of water as a nutrient?

Essential for hydration, digestion, and bodily processes.

What is the difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins?

Water-soluble vitamins are not stored and must be replenished regularly; fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fat tissue and can be stored for longer.

What is Hepatitis?

Inflammation of the liver; caused by hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E.

What is a hiatal hernia?

Portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest.

What is a stomach ulcer?

Painful sores in the lining of the stomach.

What is diverticulitis?

Inflammation of diverticula in the digestive tract; diverticulosis is diverticula without inflammation.

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease; heartburn from stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.

What are hemorrhoids?

Varicose veins of the rectum or anus.

What is colitis?

Inflammation of the large intestine, often due to infection or inflammation.

What is constipation?

Difficult defecation; more common in the elderly; increased fiber can help.

What is Crohn's disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease that typically affects the small intestine.

What is gastritis?

Inflammation of the stomach lining.

What is appendicitis?

Inflammation and infection of the appendix.

What is cirrhosis?

Chronic liver disease with liver scarring.

What is cholelithiasis?

Gallstones.