Physiology Flashcards
What is the pharyngoesophageal sphincter comprised of and what is it’s function?
circular layer of striated muscle; keeps air from entering esophagus & stomach during breathing
What is the function of the gastroesophageal (cardiac) sphincter?
controls entrance AND reflux of food; normally tonically contracted when no food is waiting on entrance to stomach; receptive relaxation when food is swallowed & protects against reflux of digested stomach contents
What does the esophagus pass through?
The hiatus; weakness allows stomach fundus to protrude back into thoracic cavity’s mediastinum (hiatal hernia)
What is tonic contractile activity and what organ parts have it?
- usually found between two organs
- musculature is in a state of stable contraction to occlude lumen
- UES, LES, ileocecal sphincter, internal anal sphincter, proximal stomach, pyloric sphincter
What is phasic contractile activity & what organ parts have it?
- periodic contraction lasting a few seconds followed by relaxations often on a cyclical pattern
- esophagus, antrum, SI, colon
What are segmenting contractions and which organs/organ parts have it?
- mix chyme w/secretions (like bile or pancreatic enzymes) & bring contents in contact w/mucosa for digestion & absorption
- SI & LI
What are haustral contractions and what organs/organ parts have it?
- special kind of segmenting contraction of longer duration; brings contents into contact w/mucosa for water & electrolyte absorption
- occurs in LI
What is the primary type of muscle contraction through the GI tract?
What can cause increased motility (and increased bowel sounds)?
1) inflammation
2) effect of toxins in/around GI tract
3) unabsorbed materials
What can cause decreased motility (and decreased bowel sounds)?
1) ileus
2) obstruction
What effect does the SNS have on the GI tract?
- “fight or flight”
- thorocolumnar division
- stimulation will cause a decrease in activity including decreased motility & secretions
What effect does the PNS have on the GI tract?
- “rest & digest”
- craniosacral division
- stimulation will cause an increase in activity including increased motility & secretions
What are the plexuses of the enteric NS (intrinsic)?
- myenteric (auerbach)
- submucosal (meissner)
Where is the myenteric plexus located and what is it’s function?
- located b/t circular & longitudinal muscle layers (in GI tract wall)
- concerned w/ motility
What are the functions of the submucosal plexus?
- located in GI tract wall
- controlling the function of each segment of the intestinal tract
- integrates signals from the mucosal layer into local control of motility, intestinal secretions, & absorption of nutrients
What factors increase the excitability of smooth muscle contraction?
- stretching smooth muscle (cramping from gas or constipation d/t stretch)
- PNS stimulation (rest & digest)
What factors decrease the excitability of smooth muscle contraction?
- SNS stimulation (fight or flight)
What is the oral phase of swallowing?
voluntary; bolus collected at back of mouth & tongue can lift food to touch the posterior oropharynx
What is the pharyngeal phase of swallowing?
food in pharynx stimulates closure of all pharyngeal openings except esophagus & food is moved to top of the esophagus; UES relaxes then closes after bolus passage
What is the esophageal phase of swallowing?
begins once food bolus has passed the UES; vagus nerve stimulates peristaltic contractions & LES relaxation
What are the impulses carried for the swallowing reflex & esophageal motility?
- voluntary initiation
- sensory impulses in pharynx & esophagus integrate w/motor impulses from swallowing center in medulla & lower pons
- invol motor impulses for oral & pharyngeal phases carried in CN V, lX, X, & Xll
impulses for esophageal phase carried in CN X
What are the two functions of the secretory glands of the GI tract?
1) produce mucous (to lubricate & protect mucosal layer)
2) secrete fluids & enzymes (to aid in digestion & absorption of nutrients)
What are the 3 functions of saliva?
1) protection, moisten, & lubrication (mucous)
2) protective antimicrobial action (lysozyme)
3) initiate digestion of starches (ptyalin and amylase)