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(43 cards)
What is pulp in a tooth?
Pulp is the soft connective tissue contained in the central space (pulp cavity) of the tooth. It consists of blood capillaries, lymph vessels, and nerves.
What is the function of saliva?
Saliva moistens and lubricates food, facilitates speaking and swallowing, acts as a solvent to stimulate taste buds, helps form a bolus for swallowing, digests starch, cleans the mouth, and aids in water balance.
What are the three pairs of salivary glands?
The three pairs of salivary glands are:
1. Parotid glands located just in front of and beneath each ear.
2. Submandibular glands lying close to the inner side of the lower jaw on each side.
3. Sublingual glands below the tongue.
What happens during swallowing?
During swallowing, the tongue presses upward against the roof of the mouth, forcing the bolus (the ball of chewed food) into the throat or pharynx.
What are the technical names for the types of teeth in humans?
The technical names are:
(i) Molars (last grinders)
(ii) Canines (pointed tooth for holding and tearing)
(iii) Incisors (broad sharp cutting teeth)
(iv) Deciduous molars (temporary grinding teeth).
What are the parts of a tooth?
The parts of a tooth are:
(i) Crown (part exposed above the gum)
(ii) Enamel (hard substance covering the tooth)
(iii) Pulp (soft connective tissue in the central space)
(iv) Cementum (bone-like structure fixing the root)
(v) Neck (slight constriction between the root and crown).
What is the role of ptyalin in saliva?
Ptyalin (salivary amylase) digests starch, converting it into maltose, which explains why chewed boiled rice begins to taste sweet.
What is the effect of dryness in the mouth?
Dryness in the mouth, due to less water in saliva, gives a feeling of thirst to replenish body water.
What closes the opening between the throat and the nasal passage?
The back part of the roof of the mouth cavity (soft palate) closes the opening between the throat and the nasal passage.
What happens during breathing in relation to the larynx and glottis? Not there in portion
During breathing, the larynx is lowered and the glottis is opened.
What occurs during swallowing in relation to the larynx and glottis?
During swallowing, the larynx is raised and the glottis is closed by the epiglottis.
What is peristalsis?
Peristalsis is the wave of constrictions caused by the circular muscles of the gut pushing the food along.
What is the function of the oesophagus?
The oesophagus is a tube that conducts food from the throat to the stomach.
Does the oesophagus produce any digestive enzymes?
No, the oesophagus does not produce any digestive enzyme.
What is the stomach’s capacity in an average adult?
The stomach can hold 2 to 3 litres of food.
What is the pylorus?
The pylorus is the opening of the stomach into the intestine, which has a ring of muscles (sphincter) to keep it closed.
What is the role of the cardiac sphincter?
The cardiac sphincter prevents food from passing from the stomach until it is thoroughly churned.
What happens during vomiting?
During vomiting, the cardiac sphincter opens and a reverse wave of muscular contraction (antiperistalsis) is caused, throwing the contents out through the mouth.
What does ‘nepatic’ refer to?
Liver
What is gastric juice?
A colourless, highly acidic liquid secreted by the inner lining of the stomach, containing water, salts, hydrochloric acid, and pepsin.
What are the two functions of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice?
- It kills germs that may have entered with food. 2. It activates pepsinogen to act on proteins.
What does pepsin do?
It digests proteins (about 20%) into peptides.
How is pepsinogen converted to pepsin?
Pepsinogen is changed to pepsin by hydrochloric acid.
How long does food stay in the stomach?
About 3 hours.
