Other Systems

Question 1

Gastrointestinal System Structures

Answer 1

oral cavity, Pharynx, esophagus, stomach, Small intestine, large intestine

Question 2

Oral Cavity Function

Answer 2

Entrance to the GI system;

mechanical and chemical digestion

Question 3

Pharynx Function

Answer 3

Involved in

swallowing and mechanical movement of food to esophagus

Question 4

Esophagus Function

Answer 4

Connects mouth to the stomach, transports and disperses food

Question 5

Stomach Function

Answer 5

Mechanical functions
storage, mixing, and grinding of food and regulation of outflow to small
intestine.

Exocrine functions
secretion of hydrochloric acid, intrinsic factor, pepsinogen, and mucus
necessary for digestion.

Endocrine functions
secretion of hormones that trigger the release of digestive enzymes from the
pancreas, liver, and gallbladder into the duodenum.

Question 6

Small Intestine Function

Answer 6

Duodenum
neutralizes acid in food transported from the stomach and mixes pancreatic and biliary
secretions with food.

Jejunum:
absorbs nutrients, water, and electrolytes.
Ileum:
absorbs bile acids and intrinsic factors to be recycled in the body (to prevent vitamin
B 12 deficiency).

Question 7

Large intestine Function

Answer 7

Absorbs water & electrolytes

Stores and eliminates indigestible material as feces

Question 8

Inspection (Physical Examination)

Answer 8

• Asymmetries in size
& shape in each
quadrant.
• Presence of abdominal
scars
• Presence of incisions,
tubes , & drains

Question 9

Inspection Clinical Tip (Physical Examination)

Answer 9

PT should document any changes in abdominal girth, especially
enlargement , and the
nurses & physicians should be notified. Abdominal distention in postoperative
patients taking narcotics can be an early sign of reduced gastrointestinal motility .