Gastrointestinal System Flashcards
(497 cards)
What are the 3 main functions of the GI tract?
digestion
absorption
protection
define digestion
the process by which foodstuffs are degraded to produce smaller molecules that can be absorbed
define absorption
the process by which nutrient molecules are absorbed by cells that line the GI tract and enter the blood stream
define protection in terms of the GI tract
the process by which the lining of the GI tract is protected from damage during digestion of foodstuffs
what does the GI tract require protection from?
harsh environment created to break down food, e.g. acids and enzymes
name all the main parts of the GI tract
mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, rectum, anus
is the GI tract structured the same from mouth to anus?
has a common design but there is difference between regions depending on function
what are the accessory organs of the GI tract?
liver, gall bladder, pancreas, salivary glands
what are the layers of the GI tract wall from lumen to basement layer?
mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa
how does the mucosa structure in the stomach aid its function?
gastric pits with glands which secrete acid
how does the mucosa structure in the small intestine aid its function?
villi over apical surface to increase surface area for absorption
how does the mucosa structure in the large intestine aid its function?
has crypts full of mucous secreting cells to protect epithelium
what are the 3 layers of the mucosa?
epithelium, lamina propina, muscularis mucosae
within the lumen of the small and large intestine what are villi separated by?
crypts
what does the epithelium of the mucosa form?
the interface between external environment and the body
what is the epithelium made up of?
single layer of specialised cells
what is the lamina propina made from?
loose connective tissue
which of the 3 layers of mucosa is the largest?
lamina propina
what is the name of the most outer layer of mucosa?
muscularis mucosae
what is the muscularis mucosae formed of?
thin layer of muscle
what is the function of the muscularis mucosae?
local gut movement e.g. glands
what is the major site of gut motility that makes the GI tract a muscular tube?
muscularis externa
what is the next layer superficially to the mucosa?
sub mucosa
what is the submucosa formed from?
loose connective tissue with blood vessels and nerves