digestive system Flashcards
vitamins are considered
cofactors / prosthetic groups
another term for the GI tract is
alimentary canal
During what stage in development is the GI tract developed?
Gastrulation
The GI lumen is continuous with
the outside environment
Epithelial cells
- where are they located in the GI?
- are generally found where inside the body?
line the outer surface of the GI lumen
generally found when in areas that have contact with the outside environment (e.g. GI lumen, respiratory tract)
Epithelial cells are attached to what?
the basement membrane
Apical
faces lumen
Tight junctions
bands running around the sides of epithelial cells.
separates body fluids from extracellular environment
apical is separated from remainder of cell surface by tight junctions
Basolateral surface
sides & bottom of an epithelial cell that form the surface opposite of the lumen
Desmosomes
a generalized cell junction used primarily for adhesion
what 2 layers of smooth muscle line the gut?
- longitudinal
2. circular
GI motility is defined as
rhythmic contractions of GI smooth muscle
What factors influence GI motility
- Automaticity
- Functional syncytium
- Has its own NS4. Regulated by hormonal input5. Parasympathetic NS stimulates motility + causes sphincters to relax
GI motility has its own NS. What is it called?
Enteric NS
Does the Parasympathetic NS stimulate or inhibit GI motility
Parasympathetic NS stimulates motility[remember: Parasympathetic NS is rest or digest. GI motility promotes digestion]
Does the sympathetic NS stimulate or inhibit GI motility
sympathetic NS inhibits motility[remember: sympathetic NS is fight or flight. Inhibiting motility inhibits digestion. You have more resources dedicated towards fighting or fleeing this way.]
What is the purpose of GI motility?
- Mixing of food
2. Movement of food
Mixing
disordered contractions
Movement
Ordered form of contraction aka Peristalsis
Peristalsis utilizes which of the two smooth muscles in the gut?
peristalsis utilizes circular smooth muscle.
peristalsis contracts circular smooth muscle.
Prevents food from moving backward
Movement is also aided by longitudinal smooth muscle. What effect does the contraction of longitudinal smooth muscle have on the gut?
contraction of longitudinal smooth muscle results in shortening of the gut AND forward movement of food
What stimulates GI secretions
- Food in the gut
2. Parasympathetic NS
What inhibits GI secretions
sympathetic NS
Exocrine glands are made up of what?
specialized epithelial cells that are organized into sacs - Acini