Exam 3: Digestive System Flashcards
major processes of the digestive system
digestion
absorption
secretion
mobility
primary functions of the digestive system
digestion, absorption, elimination
digestion
process of breaking down food into smaller chemicals used as nutrients by the body
mechanical digestion
physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces
chemical digestion
enzymes break down food into small molecules that the body can use
absorption
absorption of digested food (nutrients) from the tract to the blood stream in the body (from GI lumen to ECF)
elimination
excretion of waste from the body
mouth
movement: chewing
digestive juice: saliva
food particles broken down: starches
esophagus
movement: swallowing
digestive juice: none
food particles broken down: none
stomach
movement: muscle mixes food with digestive juices
digestive juice: stomach acid
food particles broken down: protein
small intestine
movement: peristalsis
digestive juice: small intestine digestive juice
food particles broken down: starches, protein, and carbohydrates
pancreas
movement: none
digestive juice: pancreatic juice
food particles broken down: starches, fats, and protein
liver
movement: none
digestive juice: bile acids
food particles broken down: fats
motility
movement of material through the GI tract as a result of muscle contraction
secretion
movement of material from cells into lumen or ECF
which GI processes are the primary regulated functions? why?
motility and secretion
motility: food cannot move too rapidly or else not everything will be digested and absorbed
secretion: allows digestive enzymes to break down food into an absorbable form when the food is at the correct location
what controls motility, secretion, and growth of the digestive tract?
enteric nervous system
this takes place INDEPENDENTLY of control from the central nervous system
enteric nervous system
200-600 million nerve cells
spans from esophagus to the anal sphincter
branches extend to the liver, gall bladder, biliary tract, and pancreas
aka “second brain”
connections exist between it and the CNS and are known as the Gut-Brain Axis
part of the autonomic nervous system (controls bodily functions that are not consciously directed); consists of the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and enteric nervous systems
parasympathetic nervous system
rest and digest: controls the body’s ability to relax
constricts pupils
stimulates flow of saliva
constricts bronchi
slows heartbeat
stimulates peristalsis and secretion
stimulates bile release
contracts bladder
sympathetic nervous system
fight of flight: controls the body’s response to an attack
dilates pupils
inhibits salivation
relaxes bronchi
accelerates heartbeat
inhibits peristalsis and secretion
stimulates glucose production and release
secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline
inhibits bladder contraction
stimulates orgasm
chewing
masticating
physical breakdown by teeth and tongue
hydrolysis: enzymatic breakdown via amylase
makes the bolus
salivary secretion
humans have over 200 different proteins and peptides in the saliva
water and mucus soften and lubricate food for easy swallowing/dissolves food for taste