Week 9- Upper GI Tract Flashcards
Define digestion
The process of breaking down macromolecules to allow absorption
Define absorbtion
The process of moving nutrients and water across a membrane
What are the 4 layers of the gut wall?
Mucosa
Submucosa
Muscularis
Serosa
Describe the mucosa layer
Epithelium, loose connective tissue, muscularis mucosae
Describe the submucosa layer
Connective tissue containing nerve plexus
Describe the muscularis layer
Smooth muscle containing nerve plexus
Describe the serosa layer
Connective tissue, may have epithelium
What are the 3 salivary glands?
Parotid, sublingual and maxillary gland
How many body cavities does the oesophagus traverse?
3
What is the function of the oesophagus?
Conduit for food, drink and swallowed secretions from pharynx to stomach
What type of epithelium is present on the oesophagus?
Non keratinising
What sphincters are present in the oesophagus?
Upper and lower oesophageal sphincters
What is gastro oesophageal reflux disease?
When stomach acid refluxes into the oesophagus
What is oesophagitis?
Swelling of the oesophagus
What defence mechanism does the oesophagus have against acid reflux?
Change from squamous to columnar epithelium (Barrets syndrome when goes too far)
What muscle is present in the oesophagus?
Circular muscle
At the gastro oesophageal junction what prevents reflux/
The diaphragm
What are gastric folds at the gastro oesophageal junction called?
Rugae
How does the pressure change from the thorax to the abdomen? How is this significant?
Goes from negative to positive keeping the oesophagus in the abdominal cavity collapsed
Why are gastric folds present?
Plays a role in absorptive function- increases surface area greatly
What are the 4 phases of swallowing?
Oral phase
Pharyngeal phase
Upper oesophageal phase
Lower oesophageal phase
What is the function of the stomach?
Breaks food into smaller particles (acid and pepsin)
Holds food, releasing it in a controlled steady rate into duodenum
Kills parasites and certain bacteria
What does the stomach release food into?
Duodenum
How much acid does the stomach secrete a day?
2L
What is the pH of the stomach at the epithelial surface?
6-7