GI Tract Flashcards
Where does most GI secretion occur?
Mostly in the stomach and small intestine
Where does most GI absorption take place?
primarily in the small intestine
Why must macromolecules from food, specifically proteins, be degraded into monomers before they can be absorbed?
it allows for avoidfance of the immune susystem recognizing ingested proteins as foreign
What are the only two categories of GI muscles under voluntary control?
muscles of mastication and external anal sphincter
What type of transport facilitates lipid transport across GI membrane?
simple diffusion
Basolateral cell membrane glucose transport is an example of what type of transport across the GI tract membrane?
facilitated diffusion
Na+/glucose and Na+/amino acid contransport in the luminal membrane of the small intestine epithelium is an example of what type of transport
cotransport (secondary active)
Na+/H+ ATPase in gastric parietal cells is an example of what type of membrane transport
primary active
Na+/H+ exchange in intestinal epithelium is an example of what type of transport
countertransport
What are the 3 characteristics of the epithelial layer of the intestinal wall?
high turnover rate
single layer of columnar epithelial cells
specialized functions
how often are intestinal epithelial cells turned over?
every 2-3 days
What happens if microorganisms are able to penetrate the intestinal epithelial layer?
they are picked up by the lymphatics in the connective tissue layer
What are the two goals of regulation of GI function?
-obtain complete absorption of ingested organic nutrients
-restore homeostasis via negative feedback mechanisms
What are the two neural plexuses of the GI tract
submucosal and myenteric
The neurons of the enteric (intrinsic) nervous system can synapse in 3 locations, what are they?
-eachother
-smooth muscle and glandular cells
-sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
What are the two main nerves of PNS in the GI tract?
vagus (upper GI- to left colic flexure)
pelvic (lower GI- after left colic flexure)
What are the parasympathetic effects on the GI tract
increase secretion and mobility
What are the sympathetic effects on the GI tract
decrease secretion and mobility except for sphincters which contract
What are the two types of neural reflexes involved in GI regulation? what is the difference?
long and short reflexes. Long involves the CNS whil short does not need CNS input
What is the purpose of short reflexes in the GI tract
-adjust to local conditions, while being modulated by the ANS
What are the 5 main neurotransmitters of the GI tract?
- Ach
2.NE - VIP
- NO
- Gastrin releasing peptide (GRP)
What are the main actions of Ach on the GI tract?
-constriction of smooth muscle in wall
-relaxation of sphincters
-increase salivary, gastric, and pancreatic secretions
What are the main actions of NE on the GI tract?
-relaxation of smooth muscle in wall
-contraction of sphincters
-increase salivary secretion
What are the main actions of VIP on the GI tract?
-relaxation of smooth muscle
-increase intestinal and pancreatic secretion