DIGESTIVE SYSTEM UNIT TEST REVIEW Flashcards
Overall function of the digestive system
The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients by cells
What does the digestive system consist of
Alimentary canal (9 meters from mouth to anus) and accessory organs
Pathway of digestion
Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, anal canal
Alimentary canal
The whole passage along which food passes through the body from mouth to anus during digestion.
Structure of the wall of alimentary canal (4):
- Mucosa
- Submucosa
- Muscular layer
- Serosa
Mucosa
Mucous membrane. Protects tissues, and carries out absorption
Submucosa
Contains glands, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves
Muscular layer
Smooth muscle tissue, circular and longitudinal fibers, pushes food
Serosa
Serosa layer. Visceral peritoneum, outer covering of the tube, moistens and lubricates structures
Mixing movements
Rhythmic contractions that mix food from digestive juices
Propelling movements
Rings of muscles contract and relax to push food down the canal called PERISTALSIS
PeristalsiS
Series of muscle contractions
Mouth
Begins digestion by reducing size of particles (chewing) and mixing with saliva
Tongue
Moves food during chewing, connects to the floor of mouth and contains papillae (taste buds)
Palate
Forms roof of oral cavity (hard and soft), uvula at back of mouth
Palatine tonsils
Back of the mouth/throat, they protect against infections
Teeth
Primary vs secondary teeth; incisors, cuspids, bicuspids (premolars), molars
Anatomy of a tooth (4):
- Crown
- Root
- Enamel
- Dentin
Crown (TOOTH)
Projects above gums
Root (TOOTH)
Anchored to alveolar process of jaw
Enamel (TOOTH)
Made of calcium salts, hardest substance in body
Dentin (TOOTH)
Similar to bone, surrounds tooth’s central cavity
Significance of blood vessels and nerves to tooth
They extend through the tooth through the root canal
Production of salivary amylase
Serous cells