Ch 47: Bowel Elimination - SP Overview

Question 1

The gastrointestinal (GI) system, aka the digestive system, is responsible for:

Answer 1

• Digestion of food
• Absorption of nutrients and fluids
• Elimination of waste products

Question 2

The GI system is divided into what two sections?

Name the components of each.

Answer 2

• Upper GI tract:
  
  • this includes the mouth, esophagus and the stomach.
• Lower GI tract:
  
  • this includes the small intestine, the large intestine, the rectum, and the anus.

Question 3

What separates the esophagus from the stomach?

Answer 3

• Cardiac or esophogeal sphincter

Question 4

The stomach ends at the…

Answer 4

pyloric sphincter

Question 5

What path does chyme travel starting at the pyloric sphincter.

Answer 5

• Pyloric sphincter
• Duodenum
• Jejunum
• Ileum
• Colon
• Anus

Question 6

What is the primary job of the small intestine vs. the large intestine?

Answer 6

• Small intestine
  
  • Nutrient absorption
• Large intestine
  
  • Water/fluid absorption

Question 7

Function of the duodenum

Answer 7

• Trigger release of pancreatic juice and bile

Question 8

Function of the Jejunum

Answer 8

Controls absorption of carbs and proteins

Question 9

Function of Ileum

Answer 9

Absorbs fats, bile salts and water

Question 10

What are specific functions carried out by the colon?

Answer 10

• Water is absorbed from indigestible food residue.
• Nutrients and electrolytes, especially sodium and chloride, are absorbed from digested food.
• Bicarbonate is secreted in exchange for chloride.
• Potassium is eliminated by the colon daily.
• The colon expands and contracts to accommodate and eliminate varying amounts of waste and gas (flatus).

Question 11

The characteristics of feces vary, depending on:

Answer 11

• Diet
• Illness
• Medications
• Age