what is the GI tract and what can it do?
How does the GI tract use its mechanisms to deal with potentially toxic substances.
How long is the GI tract and how is this possible?
28 ft long and it is folded extensively in the abdominal cavity
What is the luminal surface area of the GI tract and why?
approx 200-400 m^2 due to many villi/microvilli
What is the timing of ingesting meals?
Its highly variable, around 30-80 hours. approx 5-8 hours in stomach and small intestine, and the remainder of the time in the colon
What does gut microbiome do in the GI tract?
Gut microbiome (bacteria, etc.) protects against pathogenic microbes that enter/reside in the tract
What does the intrinsic nervous system do regarding the GI tract?
controls and coordinates function such as the opening and closing of sphincters.
What are the 4 basic processes of the GI tract?
What does the cephalic phase of digestion and absorption refer to?
processes in the mouth
Where does chemical and mechanical digestion begin?
Begins in the mouth
What is the mechanical thing that the mouth does?
Chewing (mastication)
What do secretions in the mouth do and how does this happen?
Secretions are in response to sensory stimuli (sight, smell, taste) and they prepare GI tract for food processing
What is salivary secretion under control by
Under autonomic control
What is salivary secretion stimulated by?
Stimulated by sympathetic & parasympathetic nervous systems
What does salivary secretion do?
What does salivary secretion provide?
Provides enzymes: amylase & some lipase (no protein digestion)
What does the gastric phase of digestion and absorption refer to?
processes that occur in the stomach
What happens in the gastric phase of digestion and absorption.
What does the pancreas do?
Pancreas is the main contributor of digestive enzymes.
In what form are enzymes released from the pancreas?
Enzymes are released from the pancreas in inactive form. ex. trypsinogen
* Activated in small intestine by
enterokinase in brush border of
duodenum e.g. trypsin for protein
digestion
What does the gallbladder do?
Gallbladder stores bile produced by liver for fat digestion
How does small intestinal mucosa promote nutrient absorption?
Small intestinal mucosa has villi which increases surface area to
promote nutrient absorption
What happens regarding the small intestine upon opening of pyloric sphincter?
Where are digestive enzymes anchored?
Digestive enzymes anchored on the luminal surface of small intestine epithelial cells
1. Disaccharidases
2. Amino peptidases