Digestive System Flashcards
What are the accessory organs of the digestive system?
liver, pancreas, gallbladder, salivary glands
Name the 4 layers of the gut wall.
Mucosa
Submucosa
External muscle layers (2)
Serosa
Outline the structure of the mucosa in the alimentary tract.
- Epithelium - simple columnar
- Lamina propria - mucosal glands and peyer’s patches
- Muscularis mucosae
What is present in the submucosa?
Glands
Veins, arteries and nerves
What are the 2 layers of external smooth muscle in the gut wall?
Inner circular
Outer longitudinal
What is the serosa of the gut wall called and what is it comprised of?
Connective tissue and simple squamous epithelium = mesothelium.
Outline major functions of the GI tract.
- Chemical and physical disruption of food
- Food storage
- Kills pathogens
- Absorb nutrients
- Excrete waste material
What are the properties of saliva?
- High in calcium
- Lipases and amylases - begins digestion
- Alkali
- Aids swallowing
- Protects the mouth
- Bacteriostatic (IgA)
What innervates the GI tract?
Myenteric plexus and submucosal plexus
What muscle types control the oesophagus?
Upper 1/4 - skeletal muscle, voluntary
Lower end- smooth muscle, involuntary
What epithelium lines the oesophagus and its characteristics?
Stratified squamous non - keratinized epithelium.
Withstands abrasion.
What does the submucosa contain?
Mucus secreting glands
What is the food entering the oesophagus called?
Bolus
What is receptive relaxation?
Distension of the stomach wall in order to prevent pressure rising
There are 3 layers of smooth muscle in the stomach wall, what are they?
Oblique, circular and longitudinal