Test #2 Flashcards
What is Digestion?
process of breaking food into components small enough to be absorbed by the body (Vitamins, minerals, debris, etc.)
What is Absorption?
process of taking substances into the interior of the body
What is the Gastrointestinal Tract (GI Tract)?
What organs/body parts does it contain?
hollow tube consisting of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus
What is Transit Time?
amount of time it takes food to pass the length of the GI tract
(24-72 hours)
What is layers of smooth muscle?
Helps mix and
propel food through
the gut wall
What is external layer of connective tissue?
Provides strong structural support and
substantial protection. Wants to keep out
foreign particles and invaders
What is the lumen?
Inside portion of the hollow tube (food in
lumen has not yet been absorbed) – not gotten
Into circulation.
What is the mucosa?
Layer of tissue lining the lumen; mucosal cells provide protection and aid
in absorption; have a short life span of 2-5 days; require nutrients to
survive; provide mucus.
What is connective tissue?
Contain nerve and blood vessels; Provide structural support & deliver Nutrients to mucosa; help with nutrient Secretion and muscle contractions.
Digestion in GI tract is assisted by?
Digestion inside the GI tract is assisted by digestive secretions
What is mucus?
viscous material produced by cells in the mucosal lining of the gut; mucus moistens, lubricates and protects the GI tract
What are enzymes?
What organs secrete these?
protein molecules that speed up chemical reactions; enzymes are not changed during reactions (pancreas, stomach, small intestines)
What is the barrier function?
What cells are involved?
The protective role that gastrointestinal cells have in limiting the absorption of harmful substances (by mucosal cells) and disease-causing organisms. (by immune cells which reside under the mucosa and respond to antigens.)
The GI tract limits absorption of toxins and disease-causing organisms.
What is an antigen?
A foreign substance (almost always a protein) that, when introduced into the body, stimulates an immune response.
Some cells of the immune system are present in the GI tract are?
Phagocytes
Lymphocytes
Antibodies
Process of The Gastrointestinal Tract and Barrier Function?
See slide.
Phagocyte engulfs antigen and then lets it open so the antigen expose its harmful products.
Lymphocytes form the the antigens. It is the hero and saves the phagocytes.
Sleep, healthy diet, and exercise are some examples of what makes the immune system healthy.
This is the same process with allergens.
What is a hiatal hernia?
Pressure on the abdomen from persistent or severe coughing or vomiting, pregnancy, straining while defecating, or lifting heavy objects
What are ulcers?
Infection of stomach by H. pylori, acid-resistant bacteria that penetrate the mucous layer and damage the epithelial lining; chronic use of drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen that erode the mucosa; GERD
What causes diarrhea?
Bacterial and viral infections, medications, food intolerance
What causes constipation?
Low fibre intake, low fluid intake, high fibre in combination with low fluid intake, weak intestinal muscles
What is IBS?
When the muscle contractions in the intestines are stronger and last longer than normal, or are slower and weaker than normal
What is pancreatic disease?
Cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis
What is gallstones?
Deposits of cholesterol, bile pigments, and calcium in the gallbladder or bile duct
What are nephrons?
Kidneys contain millions of nephrons-
functional unit of the kidney which filters
the blood and maintains fluid balance.
What are glomerlus?
Nephrons contain glomerulus (ball of
capillaries) which ultra-filtered blood
and initiates urine production