Digestive System

Question 1

Digestive system

Aka gastrointestinal system

Answer 1

Responsible for changing food and nutrients into waste

Digestive enzymes are chemicals that break down food and nutrients into smaller forms so that the body can absorb them

Question 2

Ingestion

Answer 2

The process of taking in food, chewing, and dissolving it in the mouth

This forms a soft ball (bolus) in preparation for digestion

This process utilizes the structures of the lips, teeth, face muscles, saliva, tongue and pharynx

Question 3

Digestion

Answer 3

When the bolus enters the stomach it goes through two different digestion processes

First process is Mechanical:
Three layers of smooth muscle within the stomach wall enable the stomach to contract in many directions mashing the food

Second process is chemical:
The brain sends messages to the gastric glands in the stomach wall stimulating them to secrete gastric juices i.e pepsin

Question 4

Absorption

Answer 4

Glucose and amino acids are absorbed by active transport after combining with a carrier molecule

These nutrients enter the blood through the capillaries in the villi and are transported to the liver

Fatty acids and monoglycerides are absorbed into the epithelial cells of the intestinal lining

There they are reassembled into triglycerides and then pass into the villi

Question 5

Elimination

Answer 5

The removal of indigestible foods and other waste materials referred to as feces from the body

When feces arrive at the rectum, defaecation is stimulated through peristalsis

This process takes several hours depending on the quality of food and health of the digestive tract

Question 6

What are the functions of the digestive system in order?

Answer 6

Ingestion
Digestion
Absorption
Elimination

Question 7

What are the 4 primary organs of the digestive system?

Answer 7

Mouth
Stomach
Small intestines
Large intestines

Question 8

Mouth

Mastication and deglution

Answer 8

Food enters the system at the mouth and is chewed by the teeth to break it up into smaller amounts so that it can be swallowed and digested

The salivary glands produce saliva which contain enzymes that start to break down the food

The food is then swallowed and moves down into the oesophagus (throat)

The epiglottis is a small flap of tissue that covers the trachea (windpipe) to prevent food from entering and going into the lungs

Question 9

Stomach

Gastric digestion

Answer 9

The stomach is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity

It is a food reservoir in the first major site of digestion

Digestive glands in the stomach produce pepsin and hydrochloric acid which turn the food into a semi liquid called chyme

Food leaves the stomach and enters into the small intestine

Question 10

Small intestines

Answer 10

The small intestine is a coild, 20 foot long tube consisting of three parts

1 Duodenum
2 jejunum
3 ileum

About 90% of absorption of nutrients occurs in the small intestine (mostly ileum)

Villi which line the intestines and contain capillaries absorb the nutrients

The remaining 10% takes place in the large intestine and in the stomach

Peristaltic movements are what move the food through the small intestine

The walls of the intestine contract and relax to create segmental waves that push the food through intestines


Question 11

Large intestines

Answer 11

The large intestine (aka bowel) extends from the small intestine to the anus

It joins the small intestine at the ileocecal valve - this valve closes after food has passed through it to prevent back up of material from the bowel

The appendix (in the right lower quadrant of abdomen) - is attached to the cecum

The appendix is believed to serve no purpose in the digestive system but problems arrive if it becomes inflamed or infected

The large intestine starts at the right lower quadrant, runs superiorly (ascending colon) crosses the abdominal cavity as the (transverse colon) and then runs inferiorly down the left side of the abdominal cavity as the (descending colon)

In the medial lower abdomen it becomes the rectum which leads to the external opening called the anus

Food is stored in the large intestine until it is expelled by defecation

Defaecation is controlled by two sphincters

the internal sphincter is controlled by the autonomic nervous system as is the rest of the digestive system ( this means the individual has no conscious control)

The external sphincter is controlled by the somatic nervous system and is under voluntary control

Question 12

What are the accessory organs of digestion?

Answer 12

Liver
Gallbladder
Pancreas

Question 13

liver

Answer 13

Lying in the upper right side of the abdomen, just under the diaphragm, lies the liver the largest and one of the most complex visceral organs in the body

Located below the diaphragm in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen under the ribs

The liver is capable of numerous complex and diverse actions, which include:

Secretes bile, which is important in the digestion of fat

Converts excess glucose into glycogen and stores it then when glucose is needed it releases glucose into the blood

Stores iron and certain vitamins

Converts excess amino acids to fatty acids and urea

Cholesterol and vitamin D is synthesized and stored in the liver

Performs many important functions in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates

Manufactures many of the plasma proteins found in the blood (clotting factor)

Breaks down bacteria and filters worn out red blood cells

Question 14

Gallbladder

Answer 14

Pear-shaped organ of the digestive system

Situated under the liver and interior to the duo denum

Bile (a watery fluid which consists of salts and pigments) is produced by the liver and sent to the gallbladder through the Bile ducts

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile ready for transport to the duodenum via the cystic and bile ducts

When digestion is complete bile is extracted by the ileum and also the large intestine and returned to the liver

Question 15

Pancreas

Answer 15

A large elongated gland in the abdomen below the stomach with its head nestled in the curve of the duodenum

The pancreas is both exocrine (digestive system) and an endocrine (endocrine system) gland

It’s endocrine portion secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon

It’s exocrine parts secretes pancreatic juices, an alkaline fluid containing a number of digestive enzymes that chemically digest proteins, lipids and carbohydrates

In general, secretion of digestive juices is stimulated by the presence of chyme and by hormones

Food is slowly digested as it moves along through the digestive tract

Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth, where salivary amylase breaks down starches to dextrin and maltose

The enzymes trypsin, amylase, and lipase are secreted by the pancreas

tryspin breaks down proteins, amylase breaks down starch and lipase breaks down fats

Question 16

Anorexia, nausea and vomiting

Answer 16

These are physiological responses that are common to many digestive disorders

They are protective responses to the extent that they signal the presence of disease and in the case of vomiting, remove toxic substances from the system

Question 17

Anorexia

Answer 17

Represents a loss of appetite

Question 18

Nausea

Answer 18

An unpleasant sensation often accompanied by pallor, sweating and rapid heartbeat

Question 19

Vomiting (emesis)

Answer 19

 The sudden and forceful oral expulsion of the contents of the stomach

Question 20

Esophageal reflux disease

Answer 20

The term reflux refers to backward or return movement

Refers to the backward movement of stomach contents into the esophagus, a condition that causes heartburn

Caused by a weak or incompetent lower esophagus sphincter that allows reflux to occur

Most common 30 to 60 minutes after eating and is worse if lying down or bending at the waste

This condition is usually treated with anti-acids

the person is advised not to over eat, to avoid tight clothing at the waist and not to lie down after a meal

Question 21

Gastritis

Answer 21

This refers to inflammation of the mucosa of the stomach

Acute gastritis: is usually caused by local irritant such as bacteria, alcohol, caffeine and aspirin
May cause vomiting and possibly bleeding

Chronic gastritis: an ongoing problem usually resulting from alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking or chronic use of anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDS)

Question 22

Ulcers

Answer 22

Peptic ulcer is a term used to describe ulcerative disorders that occur in the upper digestive tract (stomach and small intestine) The area exposed to acid pepsin secretions

This causes pain and discomfort which is described as burning, gnawing or cramp like and often occurs when the stomach is empty

The pain is relieved by food or anti-acids

Complications include bleeding and perforation ( a hole that develops)

Question 23

Irritable bowel syndrome

Answer 23

A disorder characterized by recurrent intestinal symptoms not explained by structural abnormalities

Persistent or recurrent abdominal pain, gas, alternating diarrhoea and constipation over a period of more than three months

Usually recommended that the client avoid fatty and gassy foods, alcohol, caffeine, stressful situations

Question 24

Inflammatory bowel disease

Answer 24

The two related inflammatory bowel diseases are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease 

Both produce inflammation of the ball without any known cause and both tend to occur in families

CROHN’S DISEASE

can affect any area of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus

40% of cases the lesions are in the small intestine 30% they are in both the small and the large intestine

Consists of granulomatous lesions that are surrounded by normal appearing tissue

Symptoms are diarrhea, cramping pain, usually in the lower right quadrant, weight loss, fluid and electrolyte disorders and low-grade fever

The intestine may not be able to absorb nutrients and deficiencies may occur

There often periods when symptoms decrease and then flare up

ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Inflammation of the colon only

Main symptom is diarrhoea which may occur many times a day

Other symptoms; lack of appetite, weakness and fatigue

Symptoms may fluctuate (decrease and flare up)

Question 25

Appendicitis

Answer 25

Common

Mostly Occurs in children or young adults but can occur at any age

The appendix becomes inflamed, swollen and gangrenous and eventually perforates (opens or bursts) if not treated

Cause is unknown -
Thought to be related to obstruction by hardened fecal matter

Sudden onset pain in the abdominal area and nausea

After a few hours, the pain becomes localized to the right lower quadrant which may be tender to the touch, low grade fever

Treatment: immediate surgical removal of appendix

If not removed, complications may occur & can be life threatening

Question 26

Diarrhea

Answer 26

Excessive frequent passage of stool

Can be acute or chronic

Diarrhea that lasts less than 4 days is usually caused by stomach flu or other common illness and clear up on its own

Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 or 4 weeks is usually caused by inflammatory conditions

Question 27

Constipation

Answer 27

Infrequent passage of stools

Can occur as a primary problem or a problem associated with another condition

Causes: inadequate fibre in the diet, inadequate fluid intake, inactivity or bedrest, failure to respond to the urge to defecate, haemorrhoids

Some medications may cause constipation (i.e painkillers, anti- acid medications)

Question 28

Celiac disease

Answer 28

Intolerance to gluten

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, oats, and barley

Symptoms: diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain

Intake of gluten may cause weakness, muscle wasting and fatigue due to lack of absorption of nutrients

Question 29

Hemorrhoids

Answer 29

Swollen, tortuous veins in the rectum or anus

May be internal or external

Symptoms: itching and bleeding

The blood is bright red

Causes: straining during defecation, dampness, standing for long periods of time

Question 30

Allergies

Answer 30

Allergies to foods and additives are common

Know the ingredients contained in the products as some clients may have life-threatening allergies

Question 31

Cancer

Answer 31

Can be found at any location in the digestive system, from the esophagus to the intestines, to the rectum

Question 32

Chemical digestion takes place in the

Answer 32

Duodenum

Question 33

Difference between mechanical and chemical

Answer 33

Mechanical means something has to work to mix the food (aka mouth)

And chemical is the enzymes breaking things down - chemical reaction

Question 34

Semisolid fluid that enters the small intensities

Answer 34

Chyme

Question 35

This structure controls food travelling to the lower section of digestive tract and is situated at the end of the stomach

Help keep food moving in one direction

Answer 35

Sphincters

Question 36

Travel of food in the digestive system

Answer 36

mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus

Question 37

Lower part of the esophagus cardiac sphincter does what?

Answer 37

Relaxes to allow food to enter into the stomach

Question 38

Maltase

Answer 38

Converts maltose into glucose

Question 39

Invertase

Answer 39

Converts sugar into glucose

Question 40

Erepsin

Answer 40

Converts peptones into amino acids

Question 41

What is the cardiac sphincter

Answer 41

The cardia is the first part of the stomach, which is connected to the esophagus. It contains the cardiac sphincter, which is a thin ring of muscle that helps to prevent stomach contents from going back up into the esophagus.