Digestive system

Question 1

Function of the oesophagus?

Answer 1

Passage from mouth to stomach for food.
Also to expel materials from stomach.

Question 2

Function of the stomach?

Answer 2

The stomach holds the food and mixes it with acid and enzymes that continue to break the food down into a liquid or paste

Question 3

Function of the liver?

Answer 3

• Detoxification
• Bile production to digest fats
• Stores vitamins and minerals
• Cholesterol production
• Protein synthesis for blood clotting, fat transport, albumin, immune function

Question 4

Function of gallbladder?

Answer 4

The gallbladder stores bile, a thick liquid that’s produced by the liver to help us digest fat.

Question 5

Function of the pancreas?

Answer 5

The exocrine pancreas produces enzymes that help to digest food, particularly protein. The endocrine pancreas makes the hormone insulin, which helps to control blood sugar levels.

Question 6

Function of small intestine?

Answer 6

The principal function of the small intestine is to break down food, absorb nutrients needed for the body, and get rid of the unnecessary components. It also plays a role in the immune system, acting as a barrier to a multitude of flora that inhabits the gut and to make sure no harmful bacteria enter the body.

Question 7

Function of colon/ large intestine?

Answer 7

Absorbing water and electrolytes, producing and absorbing vitamins, and forming and propelling feces toward the rectum for elimination.

Question 8

Name the abdominal regions

Answer 8

Question 9

RUQ organs?

Answer 9

Liver
Gallbladder
Right kidney
Duodenum
Transverse colon
Pancreas

Question 10

LUQ organs?

Answer 10

Spleen
Stomach
Transverse colon
Pancreas
Left kidney

Question 11

RLQ organs?

Answer 11

Ascending colon
Cecum
Appendix
Small intestine

Question 12

LLQ organs?

Answer 12

Descending + sigmoid colon
Small intestine

Question 13

Endocrine vs exocrine?

Answer 13

Endocrine - secrete hormones directly into bloodstream
Exocrine - secretions released through a duct to another organ or skin surface

Question 14

Pancreas endocrine and exocrine function?

Answer 14

The exocrine pancreas produces enzymes that help to digest food, particularly protein. The endocrine pancreas makes the hormone insulin, which helps to control blood sugar levels.

Question 15

Mechanism and side effects of proton pump inhibitors?

Answer 15

-prazoles

Reduce stomach acid - bind to proton pumps to stop hydrogen ion secretions

Side effects: headache, diarrhoea, abdo pain, increased risk of c.diff + pneumonia

Decreased stomach acid = decreased immune function and nutrient absorption

Question 16

Mechanism and side effects of antacids?

Answer 16

Neutralises stomach acids by binding to hydogen ions

Side effects: gas, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea

Question 17

Mechanism, indications and side effects of metoclopramide?

Answer 17

Dopamine receptor antagonist

Inhibits dopamine and serotonin activity which calms activity in chemoreceptor trigger zone for N+V
Speeds up motility and gastric emptying

Indicated for: diabetic gastroparesis, nausea + vomiting, GORD

Side effects: tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, should not be given in bowel obstructions

Question 18

Indications, mechanism and side effects of lactulose?

Answer 18

Lactulose is a non absorbable sugar - draws water into intestine after being broken down into acids
- softens stool and distends intestine, helping peristalsis

Indicated for constipation + hepatic encephalopathy

Can be used to remove ammonia from blood when liver is malfunctioning