Upper GI Tract Structure and Function Flashcards
1
Q
why do we chew?
A
prolong taste experience
defence against respiratory failure
2
Q
how is chewing controlled?
A
somatic nerves –> skeletal muscles of mouth and jaw
reflex –> contraction of jaw muscles - pressure of food against gums, hard palate and tongue - mechanoreceptors - inhibition of jaw muscles - reduced pressure - contraction - …
3
Q
what are the salivary glands called?
A
sublingual, submandibular and parotid
4
Q
what is in saliva, and what are their roles?
A
water - softens moistens, dilutes particles
mucins - creates viscous solution, lubricant function
a-amylase - catalyses breakdown of polysaccharides into disaccharides and glucose
electrolytes - tonicity / pH
lysozymes - bacteriocidal
