consists of 2 essential parts
2. accessory organs
digestive tract
muscular tube from mouth to anus
-gastrointestinal tract and alimentary canal
the accessory organs
glands
functions of the digestive system
ingestion
materials entering digestive tract through the mouth
mechanical digestion
crushing and breaking up of ingested material
digestion
chemical breakdown of food into smaller molecules suitable for absorption
secretion
release of H2O acids, enzymes, buffer and salts along the digestive tract
absorption
movement of organic substances, ions, vitamins, and H2O from digestive into interstitial fluids
excretion
removal of waste products
digestive tract
-
small intestine
Large intestine
colon
-4 parts
Histological organization of digestive tract
-4 layers
mucosa
mucosa
-3 layers
muscularis mucosa
- alters lumen shape
lamina propria
-contains
areolar CT, blood vessels and lymphatics
epithelium of the mucosa
- goblet cells
submucosa
-contains
CT, blood and lymphatic vessels
muscularis externa
- controlled by the myenteric plexus
serosa
- oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus or rectum
submucosal gland
- secretes buffers and enzymes