Sport And Exercise Science > 💪 2.6 digestive system > Flashcards

💪 2.6 digestive system Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the 6 functions of the digestive system?

A
  • Ingestion
  • Mechanical processing
  • Digestion
  • Secretion
  • Absorption
  • Excretion

These functions encompass the entire process of food intake to waste elimination.

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2
Q

What is mechanical processing?

A

Physical breakdown of food (chewing, churning, segmentation) to increase surface area

This process is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of digestion.

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3
Q

What is digestion?

A

Chemical breakdown of complex molecules into simpler molecules via enzymes and acid

This process allows nutrients to be absorbed by the body.

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4
Q

What is absorption?

A

Movement of nutrients, water, and electrolytes across epithelium into blood/lymph

This is a critical step for nutrient utilization in the body.

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5
Q

What is secretion in digestion?

A

Release of water, enzymes, acids, buffers, bile, and mucus into GI lumen

These secretions aid in the digestive process.

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6
Q

What is excretion in digestion?

A

Elimination of indigestible material as faeces

This is the final step in the digestive process.

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7
Q

What are the main GI tract organs in order?

A
  • Oral cavity
  • Pharynx
  • Oesophagus
  • Stomach
  • Small intestine
  • Large intestine

These organs work together to facilitate digestion and absorption.

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8
Q

What are the accessory organs of the digestive system?

A
  • Salivary glands
  • Pancreas
  • Liver
  • Gallbladder

These organs support the digestive process but are not part of the GI tract.

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9
Q

What is the primary role of the small intestine?

A

Digestion and absorption (>90%)

The small intestine is crucial for nutrient uptake.

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10
Q

What is the main function of the large intestine?

A

Water reabsorption and faeces formation

This organ plays a key role in maintaining fluid balance.

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11
Q

What is the peritoneum?

A

Double-layered serous membrane surrounding abdominal organs

It provides support and reduces friction between organs.

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12
Q

Difference between visceral and parietal peritoneum?

A

Visceral covers organs; parietal lines body cavity

This distinction is important for understanding abdominal anatomy.

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13
Q

Function of peritoneal fluid?

A

Lubrication to reduce friction

This fluid facilitates smooth movement of abdominal organs.

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14
Q

What are mesenteries?

A

Double folds that suspend organs and carry blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics

They provide support and supply to the intestines.

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15
Q

Function of the greater omentum?

A

Fat storage + immune defence (“walls off infection”)

This structure plays a role in protecting abdominal organs.

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16
Q

What are the 4 layers of the GI tract?

A
  • Mucosa
  • Submucosa
  • Muscularis externa
  • Serosa/adventitia

Each layer has distinct functions in digestion.

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17
Q

What are the 3 parts of the mucosa?

A
  • Epithelium
  • Lamina propria
  • Muscularis mucosae

These components contribute to the mucosa’s protective and absorptive functions.

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18
Q

Where is stratified squamous epithelium found?

A

Oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus (protection)

This type of epithelium protects against abrasion.

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19
Q

Where is simple columnar epithelium found?

A

Stomach onwards (absorption/secretion)

This epithelium is specialized for nutrient absorption.

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20
Q

What is found in the submucosa?

A
  • Blood vessels
  • Lymphatics
  • Glands
  • Submucosal plexus

This layer supports the mucosa and plays a role in digestion.

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21
Q

Layers of muscularis externa?

A
  • Inner circular
  • Outer longitudinal

These layers are responsible for peristalsis and segmentation.

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22
Q

What is the function of the myenteric plexus?

A

ENS network controlling motility

This plexus coordinates muscle contractions in the GI tract.

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23
Q

Difference between serosa and adventitia?

A

Serosa = peritoneal covering; Adventitia = anchors to surrounding structures

This distinction is important for understanding the GI tract’s structure.

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24
Q

What are pacemaker cells?

A

Cells that generate rhythmic contractions via spontaneous depolarisation

These cells are crucial for coordinating GI motility.

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25
What is **peristalsis**?
Wave-like contractions that propel food ## Footnote This process is essential for moving food through the GI tract.
26
What is **segmentation**?
Mixing contractions with no directional movement ## Footnote This process helps in mixing food with digestive juices.
27
Functions of the **oral cavity**?
* Sensory * Mechanical processing * Lubrication * Limited digestion ## Footnote The oral cavity initiates the digestive process.
28
Which enzymes begin digestion in the **oral cavity**?
* Salivary amylase (carbs) * Lingual lipase (lipids) ## Footnote These enzymes start the breakdown of food in the mouth.
29
Composition of **saliva**?
* Water * Electrolytes * Mucins * Antibodies * Amylase ## Footnote Saliva plays multiple roles in digestion and oral health.
30
Functions of **saliva**?
* Lubrication * Digestion * Antimicrobial defence * Buffering ## Footnote These functions are vital for oral health and digestion.
31
Phases of **swallowing**?
* Buccal (voluntary) * Pharyngeal (reflex) * Oesophageal ## Footnote These phases coordinate the process of moving food from the mouth to the stomach.
32
Function of **oesophagus**?
Transport food via peristalsis ## Footnote The oesophagus is essential for moving food to the stomach.
33
Why is the oesophagus adapted for **abrasion**?
Stratified squamous epithelium ## Footnote This adaptation protects the oesophagus from damage during food transit.
34
Main functions of the **stomach**?
* Storage * Mechanical breakdown * Chemical digestion ## Footnote The stomach plays a key role in preparing food for further digestion.
35
What activates **pepsinogen**?
HCl ## Footnote This activation is crucial for protein digestion in the stomach.
36
What is **intrinsic factor**?
Required for vitamin B12 absorption ## Footnote This factor is essential for preventing certain types of anemia.
37
What do **parietal cells** secrete?
* HCl * Intrinsic factor ## Footnote These secretions are vital for digestion and nutrient absorption.
38
What do **chief cells** secrete?
Pepsinogen ## Footnote This secretion is important for protein digestion.
39
What do **G cells** secrete?
Gastrin ## Footnote Gastrin plays a role in regulating stomach acid secretion.
40
What are the **3 regions** of the small intestine?
* Duodenum * Jejunum * Ileum ## Footnote Each region has distinct functions in digestion and absorption.
41
Main function of **duodenum**?
Neutralisation + digestion ## Footnote The duodenum is where chyme is neutralized and further digested.
42
Main function of **jejunum**?
Absorption ## Footnote The jejunum is specialized for nutrient uptake.
43
Main function of **ileum**?
B12 + bile salt absorption ## Footnote The ileum is crucial for absorbing specific nutrients.
44
What increases small intestine **surface area**?
* Plicae circulares * Villi * Microvilli ## Footnote These adaptations enhance nutrient absorption.
45
What is the function of **lacteals**?
Absorb lipids ## Footnote Lacteals are specialized lymphatic vessels in the small intestine.
46
Function of **enteropeptidase**?
Activates trypsinogen → trypsin ## Footnote This activation is crucial for protein digestion in the small intestine.
47
What do **disaccharidases** do?
Break sugars into monosaccharides ## Footnote These enzymes are important for carbohydrate digestion.
48
Exocrine vs **endocrine pancreas**?
* Exocrine = digestive enzymes * Endocrine = insulin & glucagon ## Footnote This distinction highlights the pancreas's dual role in digestion and metabolism.
49
Why are pancreatic enzymes secreted as **proenzymes**?
Prevent self-digestion ## Footnote This mechanism protects the pancreas from damage.
50
What is unique about **liver blood supply**?
Dual supply (portal vein + hepatic artery) ## Footnote This dual supply is essential for liver function.
51
Functions of the **liver**?
* Metabolism * Detoxification * Storage * Bile production ## Footnote The liver plays a central role in maintaining homeostasis.
52
What is **bile’s role**?
Emulsifies fats ## Footnote Bile is crucial for the digestion and absorption of lipids.
53
Function of **gallbladder**?
Store and concentrate bile ## Footnote The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine when needed.
54
What hormone triggers **bile release**?
CCK ## Footnote Cholecystokinin stimulates the gallbladder to release bile.
55
Main functions of the **large intestine**?
* Water absorption * Vitamin absorption * Faeces formation ## Footnote The large intestine is essential for fluid balance and waste elimination.
56
Key features of the **large intestine**?
* Taeniae coli * Haustra * No villi ## Footnote These features are important for the large intestine's function.
57
Effect of **parasympathetic stimulation**?
Increases digestion ## Footnote This stimulation enhances digestive processes.
58
Effect of **sympathetic stimulation**?
Inhibits digestion ## Footnote This response is part of the body's stress reaction.
59
What is the **ENS**?
“Second brain” controlling GI function locally ## Footnote The enteric nervous system regulates digestive processes independently.
60
What does **gastrin** do?
Increases acid secretion ## Footnote Gastrin is a key hormone in regulating stomach function.
61
What does **secretin** do?
Increases bicarbonate ## Footnote Secretin helps neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine.
62
What does **CCK** do?
Stimulates enzymes + bile ## Footnote Cholecystokinin plays a role in digestion and fat absorption.
63
What does **GIP** do?
Inhibits stomach + increases insulin ## Footnote Gastric inhibitory peptide helps regulate glucose metabolism.
64
End product of **carbohydrate digestion**?
Monosaccharides ## Footnote These simple sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream.
65
How is **glucose absorbed**?
Na⁺ co-transport (SGLT1) ## Footnote This mechanism is essential for glucose uptake in the intestines.
66
What is **emulsification**?
Breakdown of fat droplets by bile ## Footnote This process is crucial for lipid digestion.
67
How are **lipids transported**?
Chylomicrons → lymph ## Footnote This transport mechanism is essential for lipid absorption.
68
Where does **protein digestion** start?
Stomach (pepsin) ## Footnote The stomach initiates the breakdown of proteins.
69
Final product of **protein digestion**?
Amino acids ## Footnote These building blocks are essential for various bodily functions.
70
How is **vitamin B12 absorbed**?
Requires intrinsic factor ## Footnote This requirement is crucial for preventing deficiencies.
71
Where is **iron absorbed**?
Duodenum ## Footnote The duodenum is the primary site for iron uptake.
72
How much **water enters GI daily**?
~9 L ## Footnote This includes both ingested fluids and secretions.
73
How much is lost in **faeces**?
~0.1 L ## Footnote This loss is minimal compared to the total water intake.
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