Gastrointestinal System Flashcards
(406 cards)
What is the primary function of the digestive system?
To break down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed and used by the body.
What are the main components of the digestive system?
The mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus, as well as accessory organs such as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
What is peristalsis?
Coordinated muscle contractions that propel food through the digestive tract.
What are sphincters and what is their role?
Muscular rings that control the flow of food between different sections of the digestive tract.
What are the four main layers of the GI tract wall?
Mucosa, Submucosa, Muscularis externa, Serosa
What is the function of the omentum?
A double layer of peritoneum that connects the stomach to other abdominal organs, providing support and protection.
What is the role of the enteric nervous system (ENS)?
To control the movement and function of the digestive system, often referred to as the “second brain” of the gut.
What are the two main branches of the autonomic nervous system that regulate digestion?
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
How does the sympathetic nervous system affect digestion?
It generally inhibits digestive processes, diverting blood flow away from the digestive system during times of stress or danger (“fight-or-flight” response).
How does the parasympathetic nervous system affect digestion?
It stimulates digestive processes, promoting digestion and absorption of nutrients (“rest-and-digest” response).
What are the two main plexuses of the ENS?
The myenteric (Auerbach’s) plexus and the submucosal (Meissner’s) plexus.
What is the function of the myenteric plexus?
Primarily controls the motility of the GI tract.
What is the function of the submucosal plexus?
Primarily regulates secretions and blood flow in the GI tract.
Name some major neurotransmitters involved in the ENS.
Acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and nitric oxide.
What is the role of commensal bacteria in the gut?
They aid in digestion, nutrient absorption, and protection against harmful bacteria.
What is the approximate volume of fluid processed by the GI tract daily?
Approximately 8.5 liters.
What is the net driving force for water movement in the GI tract?
Pnet = ΔP – Δπ (where ΔP represents the hydrostatic pressure difference and Δπ represents the osmotic pressure difference).
Appendix is thought to be leftover from the __________.
cecum
What is the primary force driving water movement across epithelia in the GI tract?
The osmotic pressure difference (Δπ).
How is water movement regulated in the GI tract?
Primarily by regulating the movement of solutes.
What is the role of cholecystokinin (CCK)?
A hormone that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the gallbladder.
What is the role of Gastric Inhibitory Peptide (GIP)?
A hormone that inhibits gastric acid secretion and stimulates insulin release.
True or False: Bacterial cells in a human outnumber human cells in said human.
True
What are the general functions of the upper GI tract?
Ingestion, initial digestion, and propulsion of food.