Gastrointestinal Systems (Digestive Processes) Flashcards
Where are exocrine and endocrine secretions produced?
Exocrine secretions are produced by epithelial cells lining the GI tract and accessory organs.
Endocrine secretions are produced by endocrine organs/glands.
How do exocrine secretions prepare food for digestion?
By diluting it to the osmolarity of the plasma and altering the pH for optimal digestion
What cells secrete exocrine secretions?
Acini cells
What cells secrete endocrine secretions?
Pancreatic islet cells
What do acini cells secrete?
Exocrine secretions: Enzymes/fluid into the GI tract and out of the body
What do pancreatic islet cells release?
Hormones into the body
Does the pancreas produce exocrine or endocrine secretions?
Both
What is the main cation and anion in plasma?
Na+ and Cl-
What is the main cation and anion in salvia?
Na+ and HCO3-
What is the main cation and anion in the stomach?
Na+ and Cl- (there is no HCO3- in the stomach lumen only protective on GI wall in mucus)
What is the main cation and anion in the pancreas secretions?
Na+ and HCO3-
What is the main cation and anion in the liver and small intestine?
Na+ and Cl-
What secretions have the most acidic pH?
Stomach (all others are slightly alkaline 7.4-7.8)
What is the total volume of secretions in L/day?
8 (majority being from plasma and stomach)
What is the function of saliva?
Oral hygiene, aids in talking, aids in chewing and swallowing by mositening and dissolving food, assists in rendering food isosmotic, pH modulation and contains amylase for starch digestion.
Without saliva you would develop xerostomia which causes dental caries and orla lesions.
What does saliva contain that aids in starch digestion?
Amylase
What is the carrier in vape fluid?
Propylene glycol (PG)
What do the breakdown products of PG include and what is their effect on the mouth?
acetic acid, lactic acid and propionaldehyde which are all toxic to tooth enamel and soft tissue
PG is hygroscopic - what does this mean?
Means water moelcuels in saliva and oral tissue bind to the PG molecules leading to the tissues drying out = results in dry mouth (xerostomia) = less dilution of food from saliva.
What is xerostomia?
Dry mouth
What can a sample of saliva be used to analyse?
DNA
Cancer proteins
Heart attack related proteins
Infection (HIV, COVID, Flu)
What are the three main pairs of salivary glands?
Parotid
Submandibular
Sublingual
*but there is also minor bucca glands in the mouth, pharynx and oesophagus.
What is the main fluid composition of parotid, submandibular and sublingual salivary glands?
Parotid is mainly serous fluid
Submandibular is mixed mucous and serous
Sublingual is mainly mucous rich fluid
What is the primary cite for secretion from salivary glands?
Acinus