The Gastrointestinal System

Question 1

Oesophagus

Answer 1

Function: The oesophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. It serves as a passageway for food and liquids, moving them from the mouth to the stomach through a process called peristalsis (wave-like muscle contractions).

Question 2

Epiglottis

Answer 2

The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located at the root of the tongue. During swallowing, it folds down to cover the larynx (voice box) and windpipe (trachea), preventing food and liquids from entering the lungs.

Question 3

Cystic Duct

Answer 3

This duct connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct. It allows bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, to flow into the small intestine to help digest fats when needed

Question 4

Hepatic Duct

Answer 4

The hepatic duct transports bile from the liver, where it is produced, to the gallbladder and the small intestine, aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats.

Question 5

Pancreatic Duct

Answer 5

The pancreatic duct carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). These enzymes are essential for breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Question 6

Taste Buds

Answer 6

Taste buds are sensory organs found on the tongue and other parts of the mouth. They contain taste receptors that respond to five main tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami, allowing us to perceive different flavors

Question 7

Sublingual Gland

Answer 7

This is one of the three major salivary glands located under the tongue. It produces saliva, which helps moisten food for easier swallowing and begins the digestion of carbohydrates

Question 8

Portal Venous System

Answer 8

A network of veins that carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs (stomach, intestines, spleen, and pancreas) to the liver, where the nutrients are processed and filtered before entering the general circulation

Question 9

Diaphragmatic Hiatus

Answer 9

Openings in the diaphragm (a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity) allow important structures such as the esophagus, aorta, and inferior vena cava to pass between the chest and abdomen.

Question 10

Falciform and Round Ligament

Answer 10

The falciform ligament attaches the liver to the front wall of the abdomen, stabilizing its position. The round ligament is a remnant of the umbilical vein from fetal circulation, now a fibrous cord

Question 11

Lower Oesophageal Sphincter

Answer 11

A circular muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach that contracts to prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus, thus preventing acid reflux.

Question 12

Pharynx

Answer 12

The pharynx is the part of the throat behind the nose and mouth. It serves as a pathway for both air to the lungs and food to the esophagus.

Question 13

Submandibular Gland

Answer 13

One of the main salivary glands located beneath the lower jaw. It produces saliva that helps digest food and lubricate the mouth

Question 14

Peristalsis

Answer 14

The process of rhythmic, wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract from the esophagus to the intestines.

Question 15

Gall Bladder

Answer 15

A small organ located under the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile is released from the gall bladder into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats.

Question 16

Cecum and Appendix

Answer 16

The cecum is the first part of the large intestine, where partially digested food enters from the small intestine. The appendix, attached to the cecum, is a small, tube-like structure with an unclear role but may be involved in immune functions.

Question 17

Fundus and Pylorus

Answer 17

The fundus is the upper part of the stomach, while the pylorus is the lower part. The pylorus regulates the passage of partially digested food from the stomach to the duodenum.

Question 18

Omentum

Answer 18

A layer of fatty tissue that drapes over the abdominal organs, helping to cushion and protect them. It also plays a role in immune response and fat storage.

Question 19

Common Bile Duct

Answer 19

This duct carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum, aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.

Question 20

Parotid Gland

Answer 20

The largest of the salivary glands, located near the jaw, it produces saliva to help break down food and moisten the mouth.

Question 21

Visceral and Parietal Peritoneum

Answer 21

The visceral peritoneum covers the organs within the abdominal cavity, while the parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal wall, creating a protective sac that reduces friction.

Question 22

Exocrine Gland

Answer 22

A gland that releases its products (like enzymes or sweat) through ducts to the outside of the body or into body cavities. The pancreas has an exocrine function, releasing digestive enzymes.

Question 23

Inferior Vena Cava

Answer 23

A large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body to the heart.

Question 24

Abdominal Aorta

Answer 24

The main artery that supplies oxygenated blood to the abdominal organs and lower body.

Question 25

Bile

Answer 25

A digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that helps emulsify fats for easier digestion and absorption in the small intestine.

Question 26

Longitudinal, Circular, and Oblique Smooth Muscle

Answer 26

Layers of smooth muscle in the stomach wall that help churn, mix, and propel food along the digestive tract.

Question 27

Jejunum and Ileum

Answer 27

Parts of the small intestine; the jejunum absorbs nutrients, and the ileum absorbs vitamins and bile acids.

Question 28

Mesentery

Answer 28

A fold of tissue that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall, holding them in place and containing blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics that supply the intestines.

Question 29

Peyer’s Patches

Answer 29

Small areas of lymphoid tissue in the small intestine that help monitor and protect against pathogenic bacteria in the gut.

Question 30

Parietal and Chief Cells

Answer 30

Cells in the stomach lining; parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid, and chief cells release pepsinogen, both aiding in digestion.

Question 31

Chyme

Answer 31

The partially digested, semi-liquid food mixture that moves from the stomach to the small intestine for further digestion and absorption.