Gastrointestinal Physiology Flashcards
functions of the G.I tract
Motility
Digestion
Absorption
Secretion
Motility
refers to the movement of the GI tract and serves two purposes
1. moves contents from mouth to anus
2. mixes contents to facilitate digestion and absorption
Digestion
process of breaking down large particles of food and high-molecular weight substances into smaller molecules
Absorption
movement of the digestion of the product across the intestinal epithelium into the body
Secretion
Release of substances into the lumen of the GI which facilitates digestion, absorption and motility
What are the components of the digestive system
mouth, stomach, small intestine and large intestine
and the accessory organs : Salivary glands, Liver, Pancreas, Gallbladder
function of the epithelium of the intestinal wall
Barrier of cells that nutrients must traverse to be absorbed into the body
Function of the capillaries and lymphatics
aid in transport to and form the intestine, deliver O2 and other needed molecules
function the circular and longitudinal muscles
these layers of smooth muscle allow motile contractions of the intestine
function of the myenteric plexus
has a rich nerve supply that controls multiple aspects of motility and secretion, known as the brain of the gut
function of endocrine cells
secrete hormones into blood that regulate digestion and appetite
function of exocrine cells
secrete substances into lumen that aid digestion
function of mucous cells
Ducts from accessory organs
function of sphincters
ring of muscle creating a constriction point which regulates flow, flow is typically mouth to anus but there can be backflow an example being vomit
what are the type of sphincters and their location
- upper esophageal found between the pharynx and esophagus
2.Lower esophageal found between the esophagus and stomach - pyloric found between the stomach and small intestine
- ileocecal found between the small intestine and the large intestine
- internal anal
- external anal
mastication
chewing, break down of food by the teeth and facial muscles
preparation for swallowing
moistening of food bolus from saliva
onset of digestion
enzymatic breakdown of carbohydrates
what is the process of swallowing
oral phase: tongue pushes food bolus to the back of the mouth
pharyngeal phase: sift palate elevates to prevent food from entering the nasal passage
epiglottis covers the glottis preventing entry into the trachea the upper esophageal sphincter relaxes
esophageal phase: Food descends the esophagus
What is the function of the stomach
the stomach stores ingested material, continues digestion and regulates emptying into the small intestine
What is happening during Digestion
mechanical digestion occurs through the the folded surfaces such as rugae
chemical digestion: HCl provides the acidic environment of the stomach and helps with protein digestion. Pepsin enzyme that breaks down proteins
What does ingested food leave the stomach as
Chyme
The small intestine is spilt into three sections what are they?
Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum
What is the primary site of digestion and absorption in the body
Small intestine