Chapter 18: The Digestive System Flashcards
Define digestion.
Digestion is the breakdown of large molecules, followed by absorption into the bloodstream.
What is intracellular digestion?
Intracellular digestion occurs within a cell, within membrane-bound vesicles.
What is extracellular digestion?
Extracellular digestion occurs outside of cells, within the lumen of the intestinal tract.
Define mastication.
Mastication is the movement of the teeth to break down food.
What are the two functional purposes of saliva?
Saliva lubricates food to assist in swallowing, and provides a solvent.
What is the function of salivary amylase?
Salivary amylase hydrolyzes large starch molecules into maltose.
What is a bolus?
A bolus is a ball of moistened and broken-down food that enters the esophagus.
Define peristalsis.
Peristalsis is the involuntary muscle movement that moves food down the esophagus.
What is the normal sphincter pressure of a patient without GERD?
Normal sphincter pressure ranges from 15 - 35 mmHg above the gastric baseline pressure.
Where is the stomach located?
The stomach is located in the upper abdomen.
What is the purpose of the gastric mucosa?
The gastric mucosa lines the stomach, and contains the gastric glands.
What is the purpose of the gastric glands?
The gastric glands contain specialized cells to aid the stomach.
What do chief cells do?
Chief cells synthesize pepsinogen to break down proteins that enter the stomach.
Pepsin is converted to pepsinogen in ______ conditions.
acidic
What do parietal cells do?
Parietal cells synthesize and release hydrochloric acid and secrete intrinsic factor.
