MBLEx Digestive System
Physiological Effects of Massage on the Digestive System
Activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest + digest).
Stimulates bowel movements.
Reduces stress.
Improves blood flow.
Autonomic Nervous System Regulation
Regulates involuntary responses within the digestive tract.
Controls and regulates the activities of digestive organs, glands, and smooth muscle.
Primary Structures of the Digestive System
Mouth: Responsible for taking bites, chewing, and swallowing food.
Pharynx and Esophagus: Transport food to the stomach.
Stomach: Breaks down food using acids and enzymes.
Small Intestine:
Consists of 3 parts: Duodenum, Jejunum, and Ileum.
Responsible for most nutrient absorptions.
Large Intestine: Absorbs water and minerals, and turns leftover food into solid waste.
Rectum and Anus: Stores and expels waste from the body.
Accessory Organs in the Digestive System
Liver: Functions as a blood detoxifier.
Gallbladder: Stores bile and empties bile into the small intestine.
Pancreas: Creates pancreatic juice to aid in the digestion of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates, and then empties it into the small intestine.
Digestive Tract Mechanics
Peristalsis: Smooth muscle that involuntarily contracts to move food and liquid through the digestive tract.
Ring-like Band: A one-way muscle that allows food to enter into an organ.
Types of Tissue in the Digestive System
Smooth Muscles: Lines the walls of the digestive tract and contracts to move food through the system.
Epithelial Tissue: Lines the entire length of the digestive tract.
Nervous Tissue: Located in the digestive tract and transports electrical stimulus to the brain.
Connective Tissue: Located between and around the muscles along the digestive tract; includes blood, which transports nutrients throughout the body.