Gastrointestinal Anatomy and Function Flashcards
Name the organs (including accessory) involved in the digestive system.
- Mouth and esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Rectum and anus
Accessory Organs: pancreas, liver, gall bladder
What is the primary function of the gastrointestinal tract?
To transfer nutrients, water, and electrolytes in the food we eat into the body (internal environment) for energy
Food (organic molecules) + O2 —> Energy + CO2 + Water
Function of the Mouth
Chews food to break it down. Secretes saliva with digestive enzymes (ie. amylase) which begins the break down of carbohydrates. Only absorption of some medication occurs here.
Function of the Esophagus
Swallowing. Mucus lining the organ assists with peristalsis which directs broken down food towards the stomach. No absorption.
Function of the Stomach
Receives food from esophagus. Secretes acid and digestive enzymes to digest the food (continued digestion of carbohydrates and beginning of protein digestion). Stomach muscles contract to churn food and enhance digestion.
Only absorption of lipid soluble substances (like alcohol or aspirin) but NO FOOD!
Function of the Small Intestine
Responsible for majority of digestion. Absorbs electrolytes,water, and nutrients from food passing through the digestive system.
@lumen: Carbohydrate and protein digestion continues, lipid digestion complete
@brush border: Carbohydrate and protein digestion complete
Function of the Large Intestine
Majority of water and salt absorption occurs here. Remaining content is converted into fecal matter with secretion of mucus.
Function of the Exocrine Pancreas
Produces and secretes important enzymes to the lumen of the small intestine (via ducts) to help break down food.
Function of the Liver
Regulates blood. Secretes bile to the small intestine which facilitate lipid digestion and removal of waste from blood.
Function of the Gall Bladder
Connected to the liver by the hepatic duct. Stores bile until needed in the small intestine.
Auerbach Plexus
The “myenteric plexus” which lies between the circular and longitudinal muscle of the intestinal wall
Meissner Plexus
The “submucosal plexus” which lies in the submucosa and innervates the muscularis mucosa and the epithelial layer
Interstitial cells of Cajal
Located between the myenteric plexus and longitudinal muscles of the intestinal wall. These smooth muscle cells control the basal electrical rhythm of the intestine.
Four basic functions of the gastrointestinal tract
- Motility
- Secretion
- Digestion
- Absorption
Nervous cells
Neurons and glia
Endocrine cells
Enterochromaffin cells
Enteroendocrine cells
Muscle cells
Smooth
Striated
Interstitial cells of Cajal
Inflammatory cells
Mast cells
Macrophages
Granulocytes
5HT
Released by enterochromaffin cells due to presence of gastrin. Hormone induces peristalsis.
Motilin
Secreted by M-cells due to fasting state. Hormone stimulates gastric and intestinal motility.
Enterogastrone or Gastric inhibitory peptide
Secreted by K-cells due to increased fat (>glucose) in the duodenum. It inhibits gastric emptying and intestinal motility.
Secretin
Released by S-cells due to presence of acid in the duodenum. It inhibits gastric emptying, induces contraction of the gall bladder, and relaxes the sphincter of oddi.
Chloecystokinin (CKK)
Released from I-cells due to high fat content (>protein) in the duodenum. Inhibits gastric emptying, relaxes sphincter of oddi, contracts gall bladder.
Autocrine
Stimulus causes a cell to release chemical messengers which induces an effect on itself.
Paracrine
A stimulus causes a cell to release chemical messengers to affect an adjacent cell.
Endocrine
Stimulus cause a cell to release chemical messengers into the bloodstream to affect a cell downstream.
Neurocrine
Stimulus induces neuron to release chemicals to depolarize another cell.
Succus Entericus
Intestinal juice secreted from exocrine glands composed of aqueous salt and mucus solution (no digestive enzymes). Provides protection, lubrication, and water required for digestion.
Secretion induced by presence of chyme or due to mechanical pressure.
Haustral shuttling
Means of propulsion in both directions within the large intestine to mix contents
Cephalic phase
External stimuli (smell, taste, etc.) causes neuronal stimulation of gastric secretion to prepare the stomach for digestion.
Gastric phase
Acid secretion is stimulated by gastrin and ach in response to distension and protein digestion products.
Intestinal phase
The increased acid content of the lumen (pH=2) induces D-cells to secrete stomatostatin which inhibits the release of gastrin from G-cells in a Paracrine manner. The decrease in gastrin levels reduce acid and pepsinogin secretion.
Mucosal Protection
The parasympathetic nerves secrete acetylcholine which induce mucus surface and neck cells to secrete mucus (mucin). This layer of mucus prevents acid from contacting the mucosa because it acts as a buffer barrier (neutralizing the acid).
It is made of a peptide core and carbohydrates side chains, embedded with trefoil factors.