Gastrointestinal Flashcards
5 main functions of the GI system
- digestion
- absorption
- excretion
- fluid and electrolyte balance
- immunological (respond to antigens and microbial pathogens)
In order to perform its functions, the GI system has two essential properties. Name them.
-motility and secretion
Motility (contractions of smooth muscle) allows for
- increased surface area for digestion by enzymes which decreases size of nutrients
- mixes nutrients with enzymes in the lumen
- optimize time for digestion and absorption by propelling bolus from mouth to anus
Secretion of GI system is
The release of enzymes, lipids, detergents, ions, and water in the GI lumen by the GI epithelial and associated glands
Motility and secretion are regulated by (list 3 factors)
-various hormones, ENS, and CNS
Most important part of GI system
Duodenum
Liver synthesized _______ and stores it in the ______
- bile
- gallbladder
3 parts of the small intestine are
Duodenum, jejunum and ileum
Enteroendocrine cells (EEC) are
Sensor cells in the GI system. Release peptides to control GI system
Associated glands of the GI system
Salivary, pancreas, liver & gallbladder, endocrine glands or cells
Define Sphincters
Specialized circular muscle structures (smooth or skeletal muscle) controlling the flow of GI content between distinct structure
Name the sphincters in the GI system
- upper esophageal (bw pharynx and esophagus)
- lower esophageal (bw esophagus and stomach)
- pyloric
- ileocecal
- internal and external anal sphincters
Lymph transports
Hydrophobic substances (lipids, drugs, hydrophobic vitamins- A,D,E,K
Only organ to metabolize ammonia
Liver
Percentage of cardiac output received by GI
25%
Thoracic duct (lymphatic system) dumps into
Systemic blood
Epithelial cells of the mucosa are connected by
Tight junctions
Mucosa consists of three parts, the-
- epithelium
- lamina propria
- muscularis mucosae
What are the functions of the epithelial cells of the mucosa and what is present in this layer
- Glands and gland cells are present,
- functions of the epithelial cells called enterocytes are secretion and absorption
- enteroendocrine cells release peptides that control GI function
- cells can vary among the GI tract
Lamina propria consists of
- connective tissue
- collagen
- elastic fibers
- also glands, lymph vessels and nodes, capillaries and nerve fibers are present
Muscularis mucosae is
The thin layer of smooth muscle cells in a folding configuration caused by contractions, (bottom of mucosa layer before submucosa)