Digestive System Flashcards
What are the 2 major groups of organs which comprise the human digestive system?
The alimentary canal and accessory organs
What organs are part of the alimentary canal?
Oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine
What organs are part of the accessory organs?
Salivary glands, pancreas, liver, gallbladder
What is the oesophagus?
A hollow tube connecting the oral cavity to the stomach
What separates the oesophagus from the trachea?
The epiglottis
What is the stomach?
A temporary storage tank where protein digestion begins.
What is the stomach lined by?
Gastric pits that release digestive juices, which create an acidic environment (pH~2)
What is the small intestine?
A long, highly folded tube where nutrients are absorbed
What are the three parts of the small intestine?
Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum
What is the large intestine?
The final section of the alimentary canal where eater and dissolved minerals are absorbed.
What are the parts of the large intestine?
Ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoidal colon, as well as the rectum
What are the salivary glands?
Release saliva to moisten food and contain enzymes that initiate starch breakdown.
What are the parts of the salivary gland?
The parotid gland, the submandibular gland and the sublingual gland
What is the pancreas?
Produces a broad spectrum of enzymes that are released into the small intestine via the duodenum
What hormones does the pancreas secrete?
Insulin, glucagon, other hormones that also regulate blood sugar concentrations
