Structures & Functions of the LOWER Digestive Tract

Question 1

A muscular tube which extends
from the lower end of your
stomach to your anus, the
lower opening of the digestive
tract. also called the bowel

Answer 1

intestines

Question 2

three features of small intestine

Answer 2

mucosal folds, villi, micro villi

Question 2

the longest part of the digestive system and extends from the stomach to the large intestine and consists of three parts: duodenum, jejunum and ileum.

Answer 2

small intestine

Question 3

It has features which allow it to have such a huge absorptive surface area packed into a relatively small space

Answer 3

small intestine

Question 3

This is not only increases the surface area but helps regulate the flow of digested food through the intestine.

Answer 3

mucosal folds

Question 4

Helps absorb nutrients from the food that passes through.

Answer 4

villi

Question 5

This helps increase the surface of each individual cell so that each cell can absorb nutrients.

Answer 5

micro villi

Question 6

PARTS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

First part of the small intestine that extends from the pyloric sphincter
of the stomach, wraps around the
head of the pancreas in a C-shape
and ends at duodenojejunal flexure.

Answer 6

Duodenum

Question 7

PARTS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

This part begins the digestive process of
breaking down and absorbing nutrients
needed by the body and is also considered the “mixing pot” of the small intestine because of the churning process that takes place there.

Answer 7

Duodenum

Question 8

PARTS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

Hormone that is released when the pH of the duodenum needs adjusting

Answer 8

Secretin

Question 9

PARTS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

Hormone which is released to aid
in the digestion and absorption of
nutrients such as fats and proteins

Answer 9

Cholecystokinin

Question 10

PARTS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

This structure is important for immune support that acts as a barrier to prevent harmful microbes from entering the body.

Answer 10

Duodenum

Question 11

PARTS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

This 2nd part of the small intestine begins at the duodenojejunal flexure and is
found in the upper left quadrant of the
abdomen.

Answer 11

Jejunum

Question 12

PARTS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

The main function of this part is the absorption of important nutrients such as sugars, fatty acids,
and amino acids.

Answer 12

Jejunum

Question 13

PARTS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

The involuntary contraction of smooth muscles that moves nutrients through the digestive system, keeps the food moving gradually forward and is vigorous and quick in the jejunum.

Answer 13

Peristalsis

Question 13

PARTS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

The last and longest part of the small intestine.
Found in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.

Answer 13

Ileum

Question 13

PARTS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

Answer 13

Ileum

Question 14

At the junction between the ileum and the cecum lies the __________, a functional sphincter formed by the circular muscle layers of both the ileum and cecum.

Answer 14

ileocecal valve

Question 15

This valve that is located in between the ileum and cecum prevents a reflux of the bacteria-rich content from the large intestine into the small intestine.

Answer 15

ileocecal valve

Question 16

Food spends the most time in the _____, where the most water and nutrients are absorbed, and its peristaltic contractions are slower.

Answer 16

Ileum

Question 17

This part of small intestine is responsible for :

• Enzymatic cleavage of nutrients
• Absorption of vitamin B12 (with intrinsic factor from the stomach), fats (especially fatty acids and glycerol) and bile salts
• Immunological function (access and transfer of antigens)

Answer 17

Ileum

Question 18

It is the last part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Also called the large bowel, is where food waste is formed into poop, stored, and finally excreted.

Answer 18

large intestine

Question 19

An intestine that includes the colon, rectum and anus.

Answer 19

large intestine

Question 20

Its function is to dehydrate what’s left of the food and form it into stool by slowly absorbing water and electrolytes as its muscle system
moves the waste along.

Answer 20

large intestine

Question 21

PARTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE This pouch, the first 6 inches of the colon, is also the widest portion of the large intestine

Answer 21

Cecum

Question 22

PARTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE It absorb fluids and salts that remain after completion of intestinal digestion and absorption and to mix its contents with a lubricating substance, ______.

Answer 22

Cecum mucus

Question 23

PARTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE The internal wall of the _______ is composed of a thick mucous membrane, through which water and salts are absorbed

Answer 23

Cecum

Question 24

PARTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE the second part of the large intestine, continuing from the cecum that is about 20–25 cm (7.8–9.8 in) long

Answer 24

Ascending colon

Question 25

PARTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE It absorbs the remaining water and nutrients from indigestible matter, and solidifies it to form stool.

Answer 25

Ascending colon

Question 26

PARTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE the longest and most mobile part of the colon that runs from the right to the left of the abdomen and connects the end of the ascending colon to the start of the descending colon.

Answer 26

Transverse colon

Question 27

PARTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE It absorbs water and salts from indigestible food matter, making it easier for waste products to move through the body.

Answer 27

Transverse colon

Question 27

PARTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE It begins at the end of the transverse colon and moves material down the left side of the abdomen about 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) long.

Answer 27

Descending colon

Question 28

PARTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE It stores stool before this moves to the next compartment — the sigmoid colon.

Answer 28

Descending colon

Question 29

PARTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE The last part of the colon that looks like an S-shaped tube that hangs off of the descending colon and leads to the rectum.

Answer 29

Sigmoid colon

Question 29

PARTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE It transports fecal matter from the descending colon to the rectum and anus and absorb water, vitamins, and other nutrients from the feces, before they are moved to the rectum.

Answer 29

Sigmoid colon

Question 30

This structure is at the end of the large intestine that makes up the last 6 inches or so, just before it turns into the anal canal.

Answer 30

Rectum

Question 31

This is the last stop on the food’s journey through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract before it exits. As food waste passes from the colon into your _____, it collects there until nerves trigger the urge to poop.

Answer 31

rectum

Question 31

The primary function of this structure is to collect and hold the fecal matter until it’s time to release it. It relaxes and stretches to accommodate the waste as it gradually comes in from the colon.

Answer 31

rectum

Question 32

This is the end of the large intestine, where food waste completes its journey through the digestive tract and makes its exit.

Answer 32

anus

Question 32

Muscles, nerves, and mucous membranes in this structure work together to make healthy bowel movements that can be controlled. They also work to keep the it closed to infections coming in from the outside.

Answer 32

anus

Question 33

This facilitates the bowel movements. Nerves and muscles surrounding the it coordinate to tell you when you need to poop, while allowing you to hold it in until you’re able to reach a toilet.

Answer 33

anus