Anatomy of the Digestive System Flashcards
Define alimentary canal

Alimentary Canal
- The hollow tube extending from mouth to anus
- Technically outside the body
- Covered with mucous membrane
- Also called the gastrointestinal tract
The alimentary canal includes what organs?

Alimentary Canal includes:
- Mouth
- Pharynx
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Rectum
- Anus
Define absorbption in the digestive system

Absorption
The process in which the digested end products can pass through the epithelial cells lining the tract into the blood for distribution to the body cells
Define digestion

Digestion
Process by which foods are broken down into simpler forms so that nutrients can be delivered to all areas in the body
What are the two types of digestion?

Two Types of Digestion:
- Physical/ mechanical
- Chemical
Define physical/mechanical digestion

Physical/Mechanical Digestion:
- Ingestion
- By taking in the substance through the mouth into the gastrointestinal tract, such as through eating or drinking
- Chewing
- Using your teeth to break the food into smaller pieces
- Muscular actions
- Churning
Define Chemical Digestion
Chemical Digestion:
- Enzyme breakdown
- Hydrolysis
- Absorption
- Excretion
What are the accessory organs of the digestive system?

Accessory Organs of Digestive System
- teeth
- tongue
- gallbladder
- salivary glands
- liver
- pancreas
What is the difference between primary and accessory organs of the digestive system?

Primary Organs: An organ that helps with digestion and is part of the digestive tract
- Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus
Accessory Organs: An organ that helps with digestion but is not part of the digestive tract
- teeth, tongue, gallbladder, salivary glands, liver, and pancreas
What are the six primary functions of the digestive system?

Primary Functions of the Digestive System
- Ingestion
- Secretion
- Mixing and movement
- Digestion
- Absorption
- Excretion
What is the digestive system?

Digestive System
The digestive system is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients to feed the entire body
Define lumen of the alimentary canal
Lumen
The interior of the gastrointestinal tract
Identify the organ, its feature, and name

Organ: Pancreas
Feature: Acinar cells
Name of feature: Pancreatic acini
What is the pancreatic acini?
Pancreatic acini
- Pancreatic acinar cells produce and secrete digestive enzymes, which are secreted routed to the intestine by a branched ductal network.
- The bulk of the mature pancreas is comprised of acinar cells

Identify the organ, its feature, and name

Organ: Pancreas
Feature:
Name: Pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans)
What are the pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans)?
Pancreatic Islets/ Islets of Langerhans
- Pancreatic islets contain several types of cells, including beta cells, that produce the hormone insulin.
- Pancreatic islets, also called islets of Langerhans, are tiny clusters of cells scattered throughout the pancreas
- Endocrine function: Islets of Langerhans
Release of insulin and glucagon

Identify the organs, its feature, and feature’s name

Organ: Pancreas
Feature: Duct
Name: Pancreatic duct
What is the purpose of the pancreatic duct?
Pancreatic Duct

- The ducts leading into the duodenum
- Cuboidal or columnar
- Secrete HCO3-
What is the purpose of the Islets of Langerhans?

Endocrine function: Islets of Langerhans
- Release of insulin and glucagon
What is the purpose of the acinar cells of the pancreas?

Exocrine function: Acinar cells
- Secretes pancreatic juice which breaks down all categories of foodstuff
- Acini (clusters of secretory cells) contain zymogen granules with digestive enzymes
What are the two functions of the pancreas?

Functions of the Pancreas
-
Exocrine function: Acinar cells
- Secretes pancreatic juice which breaks down all categories of foodstuff
- Acini (clusters of secretory cells) contain zymogen granules with digestive enzymes
-
Endocrine function: Islets of Langerhans
- Release of insulin and glucagon
Gross Anatomy of the Pancreas

Common bile duct
Gross Anatomy of the Pancreas

Head of pancreas
Gross Anatomy of the Pancreas

Body of pancreas



























































































