[Exam 3] chapter 23 Flashcards
alimentary canal (gastrointestinal tract)
aka “gut”; continuous muscular tube that runs from the mouth to the anus; responsible for digesting & absorbing food
- organs include: mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, anus
peristalsis
waves of contraction & relaxation of muscles in organ walls; occurs in muscularis externa of GI tract
segmentation
intestine alternates contracting & relaxing thus moving food forward then backwards
mesentery
double layer of peritoneum that provides:
- routes for blood vessels, lymphatic vessels & nerves
- hold digestive organs in place & store fat
omentum
special name for some mesenteries;
- greater omentum= drapes from greater curvature of stomach like an apron; riddles w/ fat deposits & lymph nodes
- less omentum= runs from liver to lesser curvature of stomach
labial frenulum
median fold that joins internal aspect of each lip to the gum
lingual frenulum
secures tongue to floor of mouth
gingivitis
starts w/ accumulation of plaque on gums (gingiva)
- as plaque accumulates, it calcifies & forms calculus / tartar
- tartar disrupts seals between gingivae & teeth
- anaerobic bacteria infect gums
- if tartar is not removed, bacteria forms pockets of infection which become inflamed
intrinsic (minor) salivary glands
scattered throughout oral cavity; secrete @ constant rate
peridontitis
aka periodontal disease; caused by neglected gingivitis; immune cells attack bacterial intruders & body tissues ➡ destroys periodontal ligament ➡ activates osteoclasts ➡ dissolve bone
bolus
food that has been chewed and mixed in the mouth with saliva
chyme
chemical digestion of bolus; bolus + gastric juices
heartburn / acid reflux
aka gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); created by regurgitated gastric juices (stomach acid) into esophagus; occur due to excessive food/drink, pregnancy, extreme obesity, laying down, hiatal hernia; can lead to esophagitis, esophageal ulcers / cancer
diarrhea
watery stools results when large intestine does not have sufficient time to absorb remaining water;
caused by irritation of colon by bacteria / jostling of digestive viscera;
prolonged may result in dehydration & electrolyte imbalance (acidosis / loss of potassium)
constipation
occurs when food remains in colon for extended periods of time & too much water is absorbed; stool becomes hard and difficult to pass; may result from insufficient fiber or fluid in diet, improper bowel habits, lack of exercise, laxative abuse
bile pigment (bilirubin)
waste product of heme (red blood cell breakdown); secreted by liver
processes of digestion (6)
1) ingestion
2) propulsion
3) mechanical breakdown
4) chemical digestion
5) absorption
6) defecation
ingestion
[process of digestion]
taking food into digestive tract
propulsion
[process of digestion]
swallowing & persistalsis
mechanical breakdown
[process of digestion]
chewing, mixing, & churning food in stomach & segmentation by small intestines
chemical digestion
[process of digestion]
catabolic breakdown of food using enzymes