DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Flashcards
what would happen if saliva was not produced
- would be very hard/ impossible to swallow
- starch would not be converted into maltose
- bad oral hygiene
- no lysozyme
- would be hard to taste
- no food dissolved
define gingivitis
inflammation of the gums
define halitosis
bad breath
state the location and function of the epiglottis
leaf shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue at the top of the larynx
main function is to seal the trachea during eating so that food isn’t inhaled
define dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
name the exit and entry structures of the stomach
- bolus enters the stomach through the lower esophageal sphincter
- chyme exits the stomach through the pyloric sphincter
state the major function of the stomach
- secrets acid and enzymes that digest food
- acts as a temporary storage tank
- compresses, kneads and mixes food with gastric juices to become chyme
state the function of intestinal juices
hydrochloric acid (HCI)- kills microbes H+ ions are actively pumped into the lumen by proton pumps
mucus- protects stomach wall from being damaged by the HCI
gastric enzymes- pepsin begins the chemical digestion of proteins
state the pH level of the stomach and explain why it should be this level
pH-2 needs to be acidic enough to kill bacteria
describe the homeostatic imbalance that can occur with prolonged or severe vomiting
excess vomiting can cause dehydration and disrupt the electrolyte and pH balance
As acid is lost the blood becomes more alkaline
what are the 6 digestive processes
- ingestion
- motility
- secretion
- digestion
- absorption
- secretion
describe ingestion
taking food into the mouth, chewing and swallowing
describe digestion
the breakdown of large insoluble molecules into small soluble ones through both chemical and mechanical digestion
describe motility
movement by the muscularis component of the digestive tube, including mechanical digestion e.g. peristalsis and segmentation
describe secretion (digestive process)
release of digestive juices that facilitates digestion. some digestive organs secrete endocrine hormones to regulate digestion or metabolism of nutrients
describe absorption (digestive process)
movement of digestive nutrients through GI mucosa and into the internal environment
describe elimination (digestive process)
excretion of residues of the digestive system (feces) from the rectum, through the anus, defecation
name the 4 layers of the digestive tract in the correct sequence from inner-most to outer layer
- mucosa
- submucosa
- muscularis
- serosa
describe mucosa layer
innermost layer of the digestive tract facing the lumen of the tube. function is to secrete mucus, digestive enzymes and hormones. absorbs products of digestion and protects against disease
describe the submucosa layer
areolar connective tissue layer that binds mucosa to muscularis, contains blood and lymphatic vessels to receive absorbed nutrients and nerves to control the gi tract.
forms the submucosal plexus
function to regulate digestive tract movement/ secretion
state two situations that impact on the functioning of the defecation reflex
- diarrhoea
2. spinal injury
describe the defecation reflex using components of the reflex arc
stimulus: initiated when rectum is distended
control center: in the sacral spinal cord
action of effector: lower colon and rectal wall contracts internal and sphincter relaxes
aided by voluntary contraction of diaphragm and abdominal muscles and relaxation of external anal sphincter
name the main nerve involved in regulating the digestive system
vagus nerve