Digestive System

• What is the primary function of the digestive system?

  To break down foods, release nutrients, and absorb them into the body.
• How do arteries and veins function in the digestive system?

  • Arteries supply oxygen and processed nutrients to digestive organs.
  • Veins drain the digestive tract and form the hepatic portal system.
  • Blood is diverted to the liver for nutrient processing before returning to the heart.
• What role do hormones play in digestion?

  Hormones from endocrine glands control digestion and nutrient metabolism.
• What is the alimentary canal?

  A one-way tube about 7.62 meters long that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus.
• What are the main components of the alimentary canal?

  • Mouth
  • Pharynx
  • Oesophagus
  • Stomach
  • Small intestine
  • Large intestine
  • Anus
• Why are the mouth and anus considered open to the external environment?

  Because food and wastes within the alimentary canal are technically outside the body.
• What is the role of accessory digestive organs?

  They aid in the breakdown of food.
• What are the accessory organs involved in digestion?

  • Teeth
  • Tongue
  • Salivary glands
  • Gallbladder
  • Liver
  • Pancreas

  
• What are the four tissue layers of the alimentary tract?

  1. Mucosa
  2. Submucosa
  3. Muscularis
  4. Serosa

  
• What is the mucosa in the digestive system?

  The mucosa is a mucous membrane that produces mucus and is in direct contact with ingested food.
• What type of epithelium is found in the stomach and intestines?

  Simple columnar epithelium.
• What type of epithelium is found in the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, and anal canal?

  Non-keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium.
• What are goblet cells and their function?

  Goblet cells secrete mucus and fluid into the lumen of the alimentary canal.
• What is the lamina propria and its role?

  The lamina propria contains loose connective tissue and blood and lymphatic vessels that transport absorbed nutrients.
• What is the function of the muscularis mucosa?

  The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle that increases surface area for digestion and absorption.
• What is the submucosa in the alimentary canal?

  A broad layer of dense connective tissue beneath the mucosa that connects it to the muscularis.

  
• What does the muscularis layer consist of in the small intestine?

  The muscularis consists of a double layer of smooth muscle: an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer.
• What is the role of the muscularis in the alimentary canal?

  The muscularis promotes mechanical digestion and moves food along the canal.
• What type of muscle is found in the proximal and distal regions of the alimentary canal?

  Skeletal muscle, which allows voluntary control over swallowing and defecation.
• What is the serosa in the alimentary canal?

  The serosa is the outer layer of the alimentary canal within the abdominal cavity.
• What is the peritoneum and its function?

  The peritoneum is a serous membranous sac that holds digestive organs in place within the abdominal cavity.
• What are the two regions of the peritoneum?

  • Parietal peritoneum: lines the abdominal wall.
  • Visceral peritoneum: envelopes the abdominal organs.
• What is the peritoneal cavity?

  The peritoneal cavity is the space bounded by the visceral and parietal peritoneal surfaces.
• What is the function of the fluid in the peritoneal cavity?

  It acts as a lubricant to minimize friction between serosal surfaces.
• What are some common diseases and disorders of the digestive system?

  • Indigestion (Dyspepsia)
  • Reflux
  • GERD
  • Hiatus Hernia
  • Barrett's Oesophagus
  • Helicobacter Pylori
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Gastritis
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gastroparesis
  • Cancer
  • Celiac disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • IBS
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhoea
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Diverticulitis
  • Anal fissure
• What is GERD?

  Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• What is a common cause of peptic ulcers?

  Helicobacter Pylori infection.
• What is gastritis?

  Inflammation of the stomach lining.
• What is IBS?

  Irritable bowel syndrome.
• What is diverticulitis?

  Inflammation of diverticula in the intestines.
• What is a common symptom of constipation in the elderly?

  Difficulty in passing stools.
• What is a common symptom of diarrhoea?

  Frequent loose or watery stools.
• What is a haemorrhoid?

  Swollen veins in the rectum or anus.
• What is an anal fissure?

  A small tear in the lining of the anus.
• What is gastroparesis?

  A condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying.
• What is gastroenteritis?

  Inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
• What is Crohn’s disease?

  A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract.
• What is celiac disease?

  An autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.
• What is a peptic ulcer?

  A sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine.
• What is Helicobacter Pylori?

  A type of bacteria that can cause stomach infections and ulcers.