What is the function of the GI tract?
process ingested food by mechanical and chemical means, extract nutrients from these food stuffs and excrete waste products.
What structures are a part of the Upper GI tract?
What is the job of the upper gi tract?
Aids in the ingestion and digestion of food
What structures are a part of the lower GI tract?
Small and large intestine
What is the job of the small intestine?
Digestion and absorption of nutrients
What is the job of the large intestine?
- Stores waste products until elimination
From mouth to anus, the GI tract has how many layers? What are they?
T/F GI tract is open to the external environment at both ends outside of the body (what is inside the tract is outside of the body)
True
GI tract is populated by billions of what?
Bacteria in a symbiotic state - altered normal flora leads to disease
T/F Intestinal tract acts as a physical barrier.
True
What lymphocytes are found in the intestinal tract that act in immune function?
Pyer’s Patches
What is the purpose of mastication done by the mouth?
increase surface area of food - digestion easier
What initiates digestion in the mouth?
Amylase
What is the purpose of mucus production by the salivary glands in the mouth?
2. Cleans the mouth
The esophagus connects what two things?
Throat (pharynx) to the stomach
T/F The esophagus lies in behind the heart and in front of the trachea and spine
False, behind (posterior) the trachea and heart, and in front of the spine
Peristalsis -
the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine, creating wave-like movements that push the contents of the canal forward
The stomach excretes what to aid in digestion?
What is chyme?
Contents of the stomach
Pyloric sphincter -
Distal end of stomach
Gastric emptying -
- movement of chyme through pyloric sphincter
What 3 parts make up the small intestine?
T/F Small intestine has digestive and absorption functions.
True
Small intestine excretes what to aid in digestive function?