Digestive System Review

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering gross anatomy, accessory organs, histology, and the mechanical and chemical physiology of the human digestive system.

What is the function of Salivary Amylase in the mouth?

It breaks down starch into oligosaccharides.

In which specific group is Salivary Lipase active?

It is only active in infants.

Which substance in the stomach cleaves proteins into peptides?

Pepsin.

What is the primary role of Bile in the digestive process?

To emulsify fats.

Which enzymes are secreted by the Pancreas to digest carbohydrates, fats, and proteins?

Amylase, Lipase, Trypsin, and Chymotrypsin.

List the three components of the small intestine in order.

Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

List the components that make up the large intestine.

Cecum, colon (ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid), and rectum.

Which organs are classified as accessory organs because they are not part of the direct 'food tube'?

Teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

What are the three major sphincters that control the movement of food through the GI tract?

Cardiac (lower esophageal), pyloric, and ileocecal sphincters.

Where does the chemical digestion of carbohydrates begin?

In the mouth, via salivary amylase.

Where does the chemical digestion of proteins begin, and what are the primary agents involved?

In the stomach, involving pepsin and hydrochloric acid ($HCl$).

Where does the digestion of lipids primarily begin?

In the small intestine, through bile emulsification and pancreatic lipase.

What are the four universal tissue layers of the GI tract histology?

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa/adventitia.

How many muscle layers does the stomach have compared to the rest of the digestive tract?

The stomach has 3 muscle layers, while the rest of the tract has 2.

Which organ-specific cells are found in the stomach and small intestine for secretion and absorption?

Stomach: parietal and chief cells; Small Intestine: enterocytes and goblet cells.

What structure is referred to as the 'brush border' for nutrient absorption?

Microvilli.

What are the three phases of gastric secretion?

Cephalic, gastric, and intestinal phases.

How does the absorption path of a fatty acid differ from that of an amino acid?

Fatty acids enter a lacteal (lymph vessel), whereas amino acids enter a blood capillary.

Which specific pancreatic cells are responsible for secreting Amylase, Lipase, and Trypsinogen?

Acinar cells.

Which hormones acts as triggers discussed for the intestinal phase of digestion?

CCK and secretin.