Digestive Flashcards
Peristalsis
Muscular contractions
Motility
Muscular contractions that break up food, mix it with enzymes and move it along; dependent upon physical activity
What does the digestive system secrete?
Digestive enzymes and hormones
How do we absorb nutrients?
Via membrane transport
Mucosa Layer
Innermost epithelial Layer
Faces the lumen
Submucosa Layer
Matrix of fibrous connective tissue embedded with circulatory vessels and billions of neurons
Similar to Skin
Muscularis Layer
Circular, longitudinal smooth muscle
Where peristalsis begins
Serosa Layer
Connective outer support
Also known as visceral peritoneum
Keeps the alimentary canal in place
Serous Membranes
Epithelial with connective support
Secrete lubricating fluids
Peritoneum
Serous Membrane Single Layer (visceral/parietal)
Retroperitoneum
Structures deep to the peritoneum
Not technically within the abdominal cavity
Mesentery
Serous Membrane
Double Layer; Neurovascular
How long is the alimentary canal?
~25 ft long
How long does it take for food to fully digest?
24 to 48 hours
Infection of the Peritoneum
Death within 24 to 48 hours
Nasopharynx
Area of the upper throat that lies behind the nose
Nasal Mucosa
Remove dust and pathogens from the air as it enters through the nose
Nasal Septum
Divides nasal cavity into two
Nasal Conchae
Also known as turbinates; direct air toward the olfactory epithelium
Tonsils
Lymph nodes with the nasopharynx
Auditory (Eustacean) tube
Links the nasopharynx to the middle ear
Hard Palate
Hard part of the roof of the mouth
Soft Palate
Fleshy extension of the hard palate, stops food/liquids from entering the nasopharynx
Uvula
Dangly thing at the back of the mouth
Causes a gag reflex when stimulated
Epiglottis
Stops food/liquids from entering the wind pipe when you swallow
Vocal Cords
Vibrate during phonation to create sound
Cardiac Sphincter
Food must pass through this in order to go from esophagus to stomach
Esophagus
Foods/fluids pass through this via peristalsis
Salivary Glands
Under mucous membrane of mouth, lips, cheeks and tongue
Secrete salivary amylase
Salivary Amylase
Enzyme secreted by the salivary glands for breaking down food
How are extrinsic glands connected to the oral cavity?
Via the parotid, submandibular and sublingual ducts
Esophagus
Muscular tube between the oropharynx and stomach
Where does the esophagus pass through the diaphragm?
At the esophageal hiatus
Function of the Stomach
Mechanically breaks up, liquifies and chemically digests food, proteins and fats
What is the soupy mixture that the stomach creates called?
Chyme
What enzymes does the stomach secrete?
HCl and proteolytic enzymes
Mucous protects stomach lining from these
What does the stomach absorb?
Aspirin, lipid-soluble drugs and alcohol
What doesn’t the stomach absorb?
Nutrients or water