chapter 3 Flashcards
Digestion
- definition
- type of methods
- gastrointestinal tract consists of
- a multi-step process of breaking down foods into absorbable components
- mechanical and chemical methods in the gastrointestinal tract
- mouth
- esophagus
- stomach
- sm and large intestine
- accessory organs: pancreas, liver and gallbladder
- mouth
where does most digestion happen
in the sm intestine
3 main roles of GI tract
- breakdown food into smaller components
- absorb nutrients
- prevent microorganisms or other harmful compounds in food from entering tissues
how long is the GI tract
-cells lining the GI tract are replaced every
nearly 30 ft long with extensive surface area for nutrient absorption
-3-5 days
Mechanical digestion
-peristalsis
chewing, grinding food to aid in swallowing
-the forward, rhythmic motion that moves food through digestive system (similar to a wave)
Chemical digestion
digestive juices and enzymes breakdown food into absorbable nutrients
peristalsis moves what
chyme
segmentation
(sloshing motion) mixes chyme with chemical secretions
pendular movement
(constructive wave) enhances nutrient absorption in small intestine
actions move chyme at
1 cm per minute
Total contact time in sm intestine
- time
- depends on
3-10 hours
-depending on amount and type of food, stress, meds and disease
where does digestion begin
- what is released
- bolus
- mouth
- saliva
- food mass that moves into pharyx, is swallowed and enters the esophagus
saliva
- what does it contain
- function
- water, electrolytes, mucus and a few enzymes
- softens, lubricates, and dissolves food particles
Epiglottis
closes trachea during swallowing to prevent food from lodging in the windpipe
Esophagus
- function
- what muscle contraction is used
- propels food into the stomach
- peristalsis
lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
- location
- function
- at bottom of esophagus
- relaxes and allows food into stomach; closes to prevent backflow of hydrochloric acid (HCl) from stomach
“reflux” of stomach acid
- what does it cause
- definition
- chronic form
- heartburn
- irritation of esophagus lining
- gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
Stomach’s mechanical action
churning mixes food with digestive juices for several hours
what does the stomach produce
powerful digestive secretions such as HCl, digestive enzymes and intrinsic factor
HCl
-activates enzyme pepsin, enhances absorption of minerals, breaks down connective tissue of meat and destroys micro organisms
pespin
digests protein; inactive form when secreted
what hormone absorbs vitamin B12
gastrin
what does bolus become
chyme
chyme
semi liquid substance of partially digested food and digestive juices