Week 8 - Digestive System Overview Flashcards
This structure in life is quite long with a small diameter but can nearly double in length after death due to lack of muscle tone.
Small intestine
This structure can become enflamed due to bouts of frequent vomiting (e.g. bulimia) and could be an observable sign due to swelling of the region.
Parotoid glands
Valsalva’s maneuver aids the emptying of this structure.
Bowels
An ulcer in this region could cause melena
stomach or
duodenum
Cells of this structure produce intrinsic factor, a chemical necessary for vitamin B12 absorption
stomach
Regular irritation of this structure could lead to GERD, and increased risk of esophageal cancer
Gastroesophageal sphincter
This structure is full of cells modified with villi and microvilli to vastly increase surface area and absorption
small intestine
This structure can stretch to hold up to a gallon of food or drink
stomach
The hormone secretin will stimulate this structure to secrete enzymes and bicarbonate to facilitate further digestion in the duodenum
pancreas
This structure has tons of internal surface area lined with hepatocytes involved in diverse jobs such as detoxification, storage, and processing metabolites
Liver
Carbohydrate digestive enzyme and location
salivary amylase
Oral cavity
Small intestine
Lipids digestive enzyme
salivary amylase
lipase
Oral cavity initiates,
stomach
small intestine
Proteins digestive enzyme
Pepsin
Small intestine
Accessory organ:
- Stores bile & secretes it into duodenum.
- Not in direct contact with ingested materials.
- Temporary storage of the “emulsifier” of ingested fats
Gallbladder
Accessory organ:
a. Not in direct contact with ingested materials materials
b. Acts as endocrine & exocrine gland
c. Produces many enzymes & bicarbonate secreted into duodenum
Pancreas
Accessory Organ:
a. Produces bile from products of breakdown of RBCs
b. Produces substances known as bilirubin
c. Produces heparin & plasma proteins (albumin)
d. Not in direct contact with ingested materials
e. Acts as endocrine and exocrine gland
f. Temporary storage of many nutrients but also lipid-soluble toxins
Liver
Acid reflux occurs if this structure is compromised
Cardiac sphincter
Function of secretin
Increased production of HCO3-
Why chemotherapy causes nausea & vomiting
Treatment destroys rapidly dividing cells
Stores bile
Gallbladder
Connects stomachs lesser curvature to liver
Lesser omentum
Function of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)
Dilates blood vessels of intestines
Tightening of pyloric sphincter to delay emptying
Peristalsis
Secreted by parietal cells of stomach
HCl & intrinsic factor for B12 absorption
