Upper GI Tract - Structure and Function Flashcards
Why does chewing occur?
Prolong taste experience
Defence against respiratory failure
How does voluntary controlled chewing work?
Somatic nerves induce movement of skeletal muscles of mouth/jaw
How does reflex controlled chewing work?
Contraction of jaw muscles triggered by pressure of food against gums, hard palate and tongue
How is saliva secreted?
By 3 pairs of glands:
Parotid
Submandibular
Sublingual
What is saliva made up of?
Water Mucins a-amylase Electrolytes Lysozyme
What is the role of water in saliva?
Softens, moistens and dilutes particles
What is the role of mucins in saliva?
Major protein component
Mucins + water = mucus
Viscous solution which has a lubricant function
What is the role of a-amylase in saliva?
Catalyses breakdown of polyssacharide (starch, glycogen) into disaccharide (maltose) + glucose
What is the role of electrolytes in saliva?
Regulates tonicity/pH
What is the role of lysozymes in saliva?
Bacteriocidal - cleaves polysaccharide component of bacterial cell wall
How is salivary secretion controlled?
By parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems which are both stimulatory
What are the nerves involved in parasympathetic control of salivary secretion? + result of stimulation
Cranial nerves VII (facial) and IX (glossopharyngeal)
Stimulation causes profuse watery salivery secretion
What is the result of stimulation of the sympathetic nerves in salivary secretion?
Stimulation causes small volume, viscous salivary secretion
High mucus content (a1 adrenoceptors)
High amylase content (b2 adrenoceptors)
What is the reflex control of salivary secretion?
Presence of food in mount sensed by chemoreceptors/pressure receptors in the walls of mouth/tongue which causes salivary secretion
What is the oesophagus?
Conduit between pharynx and stomach
Around 25cm