LAB 1 - Digestive System and Body Cavities (Rat)

Question 1

Name the structure that forms the physical separation between the abdominal and thoracic cavities.

Answer 1

The diaphragm

Question 2

State the location and function of mesentery tissue.

Answer 2

It is a double layer of peritoneum in the gut and supends the intestine

Question 3

Describe the body cavities.

Answer 3

Peritoneal cavity (gut), 2 pleural cavities (lung), pericardium cavity (heart)

Question 4

Describe the location and properties of serous membranes.

Answer 4

Surround the cavity and the organ and contains serous fluid to reduce friction and prevent shearing of organs

Question 5

Identify organs which are not part of the digestive system.

Answer 5

Heart, lungs, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, urinary bladder, reproductive organs

Question 6

Identify the gland that produces both digestive enzymes and hormones.

Answer 6

Pancreas

Question 7

Name the largest gland in the body.

Answer 7

Liver

Question 8

Name the structure(s) found in humans but not in the rat.

Answer 8

The gall bladder and Vermiform appendix

Question 9

Name the two organs (in the rat) that secrete their products directly into the duodenum via a common duct.

Answer 9

Liver and Pancreas

Question 10

Name the site of bile production in the rat.

Answer 10

Liver

Question 11

Describe the key difference(s) between human and rat female reproductive organs.

Answer 11

Rat: murine uterus (Y shaped) to hold many embryos
Human: Pear shaped uterus, usually 1 embryo

Question 12

Describe the functions of the various regions of the stomach.

Answer 12

Anterior and lateral portion - food storage

Pyloric region - digestion

Question 13

State where dehydration of digestive contents and reabsorption of water mainly occurs.

Answer 13

Large intestine

Question 14

List the regions of the small intestine in order from the stomach to the caecum

Answer 14

Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum, Caecum

Question 15

Describe the path of nutrient-laden (rich) blood leaving the small intestine.

Answer 15

Hepatic portal vein

Question 16

Describe how the flow of chyme is controlled.

Answer 16

Pyloric sphincter is a collar of smooth muscle that contracts at the outlet of the stomach

Question 17

Identify structures that are under partial voluntary versus involuntary control.

Answer 17

Anus internal sphincter is involuntary while the external sphincter is voluntary

Question 18

Describe the location and function of the epiglottis.

Answer 18

Ventral to the glottis. It can seal the glottis during swallowing to prevent food/water entering the trachea.