Digestive System
Gastrointestinal System
physical and chemical breakdown of food for use by the body
alimentary canal and the accessory organs
Alimentary Canal
long muscular tube
begins @ mouth and ends @ anus
Buccal Cavity
receives food as it enters the body
food is tastes, broken down physically by teeth, lubricated and partially digested by saliva, and swallowed
Teeth
structures in the mouth that physically break down food by chewing/grinding
tongue: muscular organ that contains special receptors; taste buds
Pharynx/Throat
carrier for both air and food
carries bolus to esophagus, and when food is swallowed, epiglottis closes to prevent food from entering respiratory tract
Esophagus
muscular tube dorsal to trachea
carries bolus to stomach
peristalsis moves food towards stomach
Stomach
receives food from esophagus
mucus membrane lining contain rugae
cardiac sphincter and pyloric sphincter
Gastric Juices
hydrochloric acid - kills bacteria, helps absorb iron and activates pepsin
pepsin - starts protein digestion
lipase - starts chemical breakdown of fats
rennin - aids in digestion of milk, but is only present in infants
Small Intestine
20 feet long, 1 inch diameter
receives food from the stomach in the form of chyme
duodenum, jejunum and ileum
walls lined with villi
Large Intestine
final section of alimentary canal
5 feet long, 2 inch diameter
absorbs water and remaining nutrients
stores indigestible material before elimination
synthesis and absorption of some B complex vitamins and vitamin K
Liver
largest gland in the body
secretes bile
stores sugar in the form of glucose
produces heparin and cholesterol, and detoxifies substances
Gallbladder
small muscular sac that stores concentrates bile
Pancreas
fish shaped organ behind the stomach
produces pancreatic juices and secretes insulin
Appendicitis
acute inflammation of the appendix, usually refers from an obstruction and infection
Cholecystitis
inflammation of the gallbladder
if blocks bile ducts, gallbladder can rupture and cause peritonitis
Cirrhosis
chronic destruction of liver cells accompanied by formation of fibrous connective and scar tissue
Constipation
fecal matter remaining in colon too long causing excessive reabsorption of water
feces becomes dry and hard / difficult to eliminate
Diarrhea
frequent watery stools
can be VERY dangerous in infants
Diverticulitis
inflammation of the diverticula (pouches or sacs) that form in the intestine and mucosal lining pushes through surrounding muscle
Gastroenteritis
inflammation of the musosal membrane that lines the stomach
Hemorrhoids
painful dilated veins of the rectum / anus
Hepatitis
A: most benign form
B: serum / transmitted by body fluids
C: contact w/ blood / body fluids
viral inflammation of the liver
Hernia
internal organ pushes through weakened area or natural opening
Pancreatitis
inflammation of the pancreas
treatment depends on the cause
Peritonitis
inflammation of the peritoneal cavity, usually when a rupture of the intestines allows the contents to leak into the abdominal cavity
Ulcer
open sore on the lining of the digestive tract
major cause: H. Pylori (Helicobacter Pylori)