1.1 Intro to GIT Flashcards
Functions of the GIT
Prehension Mastication Digestion Absorption Initial storage of nutrition Expulsion of faecal matter
Mastication
Chewing
Mechanical breakdown of food, which allows it to mix with saliva
Prehension
The act of getting food into the mouth, using teeth, head and jaw movements.
Deglugation
Swallowing
First part is voluntary, second part is involuntary (muscle control).
‘Headgut’
Mouth (lips, teeth, tongue)
Salivary gland
Pharynx
‘Foregut’
Oesophagus
Stomach
‘Midgut’
Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum
Supporting organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas)
‘Hindgut’
Appendix Caecum Colon Rectum Anus
Function of Salivary Glands
Moisten and lubricate food to facilitate swallowing.
Initiation of enzymatic digestion, as amylase is present.
Helps bolus formation.
Four salivary glands and types of secretions.
Parotid - serous
Mandibular - mixed
Sublingual - mucous
Zygomatic - mucous (carnivores only)
Salivary acinus
A cluster of secretory cells in a ‘lobed berry’ shape.
Secrete fluid containing water, electrolytes, mucous and enzymes (in glands)
Name the sections of the oesophagus
Cervical
Thoracic
Abdominal
Name the layers of the oesophagus
Mucosa (stratified squamous epithelium around the lumen)
Submucosa (irregular connective tissue containing elastic and collagen. Contains blood and lymphatic vessels)
Tunica Muscularis (longitudinal and circular smooth muscle)
Adventitia (loose connective tissue around the outside)
Name the regions of the stomach
Fundus (upper)
Body
Antrum (lower)
Cardia - region next to the cardiac sphincter.
Name the two sphincters of the stomach
Cardiac and Pyloris
What are the folds in the inner stomach wall called?
Rugae
Where is the margo plicatus found?
Between glandular and non-glandular regions of the stomach in monogastric animals.
What is the margo plicatus?
A small fold in the epithelium of the stomach.
What is the pH of the stomach?
pH 3
Define monogastric and give examples.
A simple, single-chambers stomach
E.g., Dog, Horse, Pig, Cat
Define and give examples of hindgut fermenters.
Monogastric herbivores that digest cellulose with the aid of symbiotic bacteria.
E.g., Horses, Rhinos, Koalas, Rodents
Define and give examples of ruminants.
herbivores with a specialised four-chambered stomach for the microbial digestion of plant matter.
E.g., Cow, Sheep, Goat