Physiology of Digestive Tract Flashcards
Where does a lot of water reabsorption occur in the digestive tract?
descending colon
What are two indicators that humans are omnivorous?
- Canines, molars and incisors
- A stomach and extended digestive tract
What is the first digestive fluid secreted and what is its purpose?
Saliva - used as a lube
Which nervous system controls salivation?
autonomic nervous system
What does SLUD stand for?
Salivation
Lacrimation
Urination
Defecation
What is the primary purpose of the stomach?
Mixing
What is the relative pH of the stomach?
pH 1.2-1.8
Why is the stomach coated in mucus?
Acid and pepsin would destroy the epithelial cells
What do the parietal and chief cells produce?
HCl (parietal & chief) and pepsin (chief only)
What do the enteroendocrine cells produce?
digestive hormones
What macronutrient is broken down in the stomach?
Protein
What are the three major parts of small intestine?
- duodenum
- jejunum
- ileum
Why does the small intestine have such a large amount of blood vessels?
For nutrient uptake
Why does the duodenum have liver and pancreas secretion areas?
Allows for important enzyme precursors and pH neutralizing agents to be passed to the small intestine
Why are precursor enzymes only activated when secreted?
They would destroy the organs they come from if they were activated
