Lower digestive tract Flashcards
What is the function of the lower oesophageal (cardiac) sphincter?
Prevents the backflow of stomach contents into the oesophagus.
What is the role of the stomach in digestion?
It creates an acidic environment to break down food and form chyme.
What is the pyloric sphincter?
A valve that controls the passage of chyme from the stomach into the duodenum.
Where is the duodenum located?
It is the first section of the small intestine immediately following the stomach.
What is the sphincter of Oddi?
A muscular valve that controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the duodenum.
What is the function of bile and pancreatic juices in the duodenum?
They aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
What is the pancreas’ role in digestion?
It secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the duodenum.
What is the function of the gallbladder?
Stores and concentrates bile, releasing it into the duodenum.
What happens in the second and third parts of the duodenum?
Further digestion and beginning of nutrient absorption.
Where is the jejunum located?
It is the middle section of the small intestine between the duodenum and ileum.
What is the function of the jejunum?
Absorbs nutrients from digested food.
Where is the ileum located?
The final part of the small intestine leading to the large intestine.
What does the ileocaecal valve do?
Regulates the flow of chyme from the ileum into the caecum.
What is the caecum?
A pouch connected to the junction of the small and large intestines.
What is the function of the appendix?
Its exact function is unclear, but it’s believed to have a role in gut immunity.
What does the ascending colon do?
Absorbs remaining water and nutrients from indigestible food matter.
Where is the transverse colon located?
It crosses the abdomen from right to left.
What is the function of the transverse colon?
Continues water and nutrient absorption.
What does the descending colon do?
Stores the remains of digested food that will be emptied into the rectum.
What is the sigmoid colon?
An S-shaped section that connects the descending colon to the rectum.
What is the function of the rectum?
Stores faeces until defecation.
What role does the anus play in digestion?
The anus is the terminal end of the digestive tract for the excretion of faeces.
What is the anal sphincter?
A muscle that controls the passage of faeces out of the body.
What artery supplies most of the lower GI tract?
The superior mesenteric artery.
