The Digestive System

Question 1

Alimentary Canal

Answer 1

• an open tube at both ends, found in the digestive system

Question 2

Mouth - Hard + Soft Palate, Uvula, Frenulum, Papillae

Answer 2

• Hard Palate = bony plate that forms the anterior part of the roof of the mouth
• Soft Palate = muscular structure forms the posterior part of the roof of the mouth
• Uvula = hangs from the roof of the mouth to prevent food and drink from entering the nasal cavities
• Frenulum = anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth
• Papillae = “bumps” on the tongue act as sensory receptors for food and drink

Question 3

Saliva

Answer 3

• helps to neutralize the acid produced by mouth bacteria
• starts the breakdown of carbohydrates (via enzyme salivary amylase)
• thins and lubricates what we eat

Question 4

Parotid Glands

Answer 4

• located where the jaw and ear meet.

Question 5

Submandibular Glands

Answer 5

• located at each side of the lingual frenulum

Question 6

Sublingual Glands

Answer 6

• found at the anterior floor of the mouth

Question 7

Caries + Gingivitis + Periodontitis

Answer 7

• C = cavities due to the breakdown of tooth enamel
• G = inflammation of the gums
• P = severe gingivitis and inflammation of the periodontal membrane

Question 8

Oral Candidiasis (thrush)

Answer 8

• a yeast infection

- from antibiotics or asthma inhalers

Question 9

Oral Cancer

Answer 9

• risk factors are alcohol/tobacco consumption, genetics, and oral sex

Question 10

Esophagus

Answer 10

• a muscular tube that’s lined with mucus, connects the pharynx to the stomach

Question 11

Upper and Lower Esophageal Sphincter

Answer 11

U = located at the superior end of the esophagus
- to prevent air from entering the esophagus due to
respiration
L = inferior end of the esophagus
- to prevent acidic stomach contents from leaving the
stomach

Question 12

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease GERD

Answer 12

• Chronic heartburn

Question 13

Stomach + Chyme

Answer 13

• muscular walls contract, churning and mixing stomach contents with gastric juice
• Chyme = partially-digested semisolid mixture

Question 14

Divisions of the Stomach

Answer 14

• Fundus = superior part
• Body = large, central section
• Pylorus = inferior, narrow portion
  Pyloric Sphincter = separates stomach from the opening into the small intestine
  
  • allows stomach contents to hang around for a
    while, promoting further chemical digestion

Question 15

Gastritis

Answer 15

• inflammation of the stomach

Question 16

Gastric Ulcer

Answer 16

• Erosion of the stomach lining, often due to the use of NSAID drugs or infection by H. Pylori.

Question 17

Stomach Cancer

Answer 17

• associated with alcohol/tobacco consumption, preserved foods and infection with Helicobacter Pylori

Question 18

Small Intestine

Answer 18

• pancreas and liver produce pancreatic juice and bile to empty into the small intestine

Question 19

Peristalsis + Villi

Answer 19

• layer of smooth muscle, the rhythmic contractions of which (peristalsis) move whatever’s been consumed along its length, toward the large intestine
  V = projections that contain blood capillaries and lacteals that contain microvilli.
  
  • provide an enormous surface area so nutrients can
    be absorbed: blood capillaries take up the
    carbs and proteins, and lacteals take up fats.

Question 20

Liver

Answer 20

• liver is the largest visceral organ and has over 300 functions
• produces bile, a substance that contains cholesterol, and bile salts (important for fat digestion and transportation)
• converts excess glucose into GLYCOGEN, which is converted back to glucose, when needed, by the pancreatic hormone GLUCAGON

Question 21

Jandice

Answer 21

• Yellowing of the skin, tongue, and eyes due to bile backing up into the bloodstream

Question 22

Hepatitis

Answer 22

• inflammation of the liver

Question 23

Cirrhosis

Answer 23

• liver damage resulting in the accumulation of fatty or fibrous tissue

Question 24

Gallbladder

Answer 24

• stores and concentrates bile that’s produced by the live

- secretory function of the gallbladder is initiated by the presence of fat-containing chyme

Question 25

Gallstones

Answer 25

• Masses of cholesterol; crystallized bile

Question 26

Pancreas

Answer 26

• excretes pancreatic juice to neutralize acids in chyme before it enters the small intestine
• as well as enzymes that assist in breaking down fats, proteins, and carbs

Question 27

Pancreatitis

Answer 27

• inflammation of the pancreas

- in severe cases, the pancreas digests itself

Question 28

Large Intestine

Answer 28

• Chyme has lost much of its water and nutrients by the time it enters the large intestine
• work continues, with help from gut bacteria (the intestinal microbiome), which also plays a role in vitamin synthesis.
• Eventually, the contents of the large intestine become feces

Question 29

Process of Large Intestine

Answer 29

• cebum
• acending colon
• transverse colon
• decending colon
• sigmond colon
• rectum
• anal canal
• anus

Question 30

Vermiform Appendix

Answer 30

• hangs off of the cecum
• serves as a reservoir for bacteria of the intestinal microbiome, so disrupted colonies in the large intestine can be replenished when needed

Question 31

Appendicitis

Answer 31

• inflammation of the appendix

- severe cases can involve rupture

Question 32

Diarrhea

Answer 32

• colon emptying before water has been adequately absorbed from fecal matter

Question 33

Constipation

Answer 33

• feces spend too much time in the colon, and become too dry.

Question 34

Colitis

Answer 34

• inflammation of the colon

Question 35

Colorectal Cancer

Answer 35

• associated with high consumption of red meat, and low fibre intake