QUESTIONS Flashcards
What is the main function of the Digestive System?
- The digestive system has one major function: to convert food eaten into a form utilised by the cells for energy.
- Without a functioning digestive system adequate nutrition and some enzyme production would not occur.
Explain the digestive process
- In the mouth where mastication happens and digestive enzymes are released.
- The salivary Glands produce and release saliva which aids the breakdown of food.
- It is then propelled into the oesophagus by swallowing and then moved by peristalsis into the stomach through the esophageal sphincter.
- The food is held in the stomach while it mixes with strong acid and enzymes secreted from the lining of the stomach which converts it to Chyme.
- This then travels through the pyloric sphincter into the beginning of the small intestine (Duodenum).
- It travels through the small intestine through a process called segmentation to allow for maximum absorption of nutrients.
- It then travels into the large intestine which absorbs water and turns the food residue into faceas.
- It then travels down to the rectum for excretion
What are the 3 stages in digestion that control gastric juice secretion?
- Cephalic stage
- Gastric stage
- Intestinal stage
What cavities does the digestive system pass through?
Thoracic, abdominal, pelvic
What is peristalsis?
Involuntary movements of muscles in digestive tract in a series of waves - which move food from the oesophagus to the stomach.
How long is the digestive tract?
10 meters long
Where does the digestive system start and end?
Starts in the mouth and ends at the anus
What is the function of the mouth?
Mastication (Chewing of food)
What is the function of the Salivary Glands?
- They produce and release saliva through a system of ducts.
- There are three different major salivary glands
What is the function of the Epiglottis?
- It is found in the Larynx and is the flap that closes over the Trachea during swallowing to allow for food to pass through the the oesphagus
What is the function of the stomach?
- Its a hollow organ
- It stores food here while it is being mixed with strong acid an enzymes secretes from the lining of the stomach which are responsible for the breaking down of food.
- Once food is processed enough it is released into the small intestine.
What is the stomach lined with?
Mucous
What is the acid in the stomach called?
Hydrochloride acid
What are the two sphincter muscles in the stomach called?
- Esophageal sphincter
2. Pyloric sphincter
What is the function of the Spleen?
- Multiple roles, mostly within the immune system
- In the digestive system the spleen transforms and transport nutrients from the digestive system to the rest of the body through the filtering of blood.
What is the function of the Pancreas?
- The cells of the pancreas produce insulin and glycogen which help regulate blood sugar
- It secretes enzymes which are released into the duodenum to aid digestion.
What is the function of the Liver?
- Has over 200 functions
- Mains ones are: store nutrients, converts fats to energy, produces bile, produces proteins and breaks down harmful substances
What is the function of the Gall bladder?
Store and secrets bile into the Duodenum via the bile duct
What is the function of the Small Intestine?
- Primary function is to absorb nutrients
- Food moves along the small intestine through a process called segmentation to allow for maximum absorption of nutrients.
- Has three parts: Duodenum, Jejunum and Ileum
What is the function of the Large Intestine?
- Primary function is to absorb water and turn food reside into faeces.
- It absorbs vitamins, minerals and electroyltes and some drugs.
What are the [arts of the Large Intestine called?
- Caecum
- Ascending Colon
- Transverse Colon
- Descending Colon
What are Enzymes?
They are proteins which speed up biochemical reactions
