Digestive System Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is the role of the stomach?
Temporarily storing food before digestion
Mechanically breaking down food
Producing acids and enzymes
Facilitating the absorption of nutrients such as vit B13
The stomach in children under 2 years, lies more horizontally, what are the implications of this?
Gastroesophageal reflux is frequent
What makes the small intestines well-suited to absorbing nutrients and drugs?
The extensive surface area provided by the villi and microvilli lining its walls facilitates nutrient absorption
Why is peristalsis important?
Movement of food through the digestive tract
How is motility different in infancy?
Poor motility in infancy.
What might happen to motility with age and disease?
Reduces
How might motility affect the absorption of nutrients or drugs?
Increased gastric emptying may reduce the absorption of drugs
What is the role of the colon?
Excretion, water absorption
