the digestive system

• How does the structure of the small intestine contribute to its function of absorption?

  • Plica circulares increase surface area
  • Villi further increase surface area
  • Absorptive cells (enterocytes) on villi facilitate absorption
• Why is mixing saliva with food important?

  It ensures effective digestion by the digestive system
• What is the role of enzymes in saliva?

  They start turning carbohydrates into sugars
• What is the primary function of the esophagus?

  To transfer food from mouth to stomach
• What are the main functions of the mouth in digestion?

  • Begins digestion process
  • Breaks down food with teeth
  • Produces saliva containing enzymes
  • Mixes saliva with food using the tongue
• What substance does saliva contain that aids digestion?

  Enzymes
• Why is the acidic environment in the stomach important?

  It kills bacteria and activates enzymes
• What is the esophagus?

  A muscular tube connecting mouth to stomach
• What happens to food in the stomach after swallowing?

  Stomach muscles churn and mix food
• What are the key processes that occur in the stomach during digestion?

  • Churning and mixing of food
  • Addition of hydrochloric acid
  • Activation of digestive enzymes
  • Breakdown of proteins
  • Formation of chyme
  • Movement of chyme to the small intestine
• What is the name of the flexure on the left side of the colon?

  Left colic (splenic) flexure
• What organ helps mix saliva with food?

  The tongue
• What is the primary function of the stomach?

  Digestion continues in the stomach
• Where does digestion begin in the human body?

  The mouth
• How do teeth contribute to digestion?

  They break down food for easier swallowing
• What happens to chyme after it is formed in the stomach?

  It moves to the small intestine for processing
• What is the function of the plica circulares in the small intestine?

  • They increase the surface area for absorption
  • They are folds in the mucosa of the small intestine
• What happens to food in the esophagus when you swallow?

  Muscles push food downward to the stomach
• What is the location of the ileum?

  Final section of the small intestine
• How does the esophagus ensure smooth food transfer?

  By using muscles to push food downward
• If you wanted to observe the detailed structure of the villi in the small intestine, which type of microscope would you use?

  Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• What is the primary function of the large intestine?

  Processing undigested food and waste products
• What are plicae circulares?

  Folds in the small intestine
• What is the name of the last part of the small intestine?

  Ileum
• What do digestive enzymes in the stomach primarily break down?

  Proteins
• What are the main sections of the large intestine?

  Cecum, colon, rectum, anal canal
• What are the main parts of the colon labeled in the image?

  • Transverse colon
  • Ascending colon
  • Descending colon
  • Sigmoid colon
  • Rectum
• What is the role of villi in the small intestine?

  Increase surface area for absorption
• What is the function of the cecum in the large intestine?

  It connects the ileum to the large intestine
• What is the name of the first part of the small intestine?

  Duodenum
• What is the name of the structure that contains the plica circulares?

  Jejunum
• What is the role of the vermiform appendix?

  It is attached to the cecum
• What other anatomical structures are labeled in the image?

  • Ileum
  • Cecum
  • Vermiform appendix
  • Anal canal
• What is the name of the gland associated with the small intestine?

  Intestinal gland (Lieberkühn gland)
• What is the function of the rectum in the large intestine?

  It serves as a storage area for feces
• What is the process that occurs when swallowing food?

  • Chewed food enters the esophagus
  • Muscles contract to push food downward
  • Food reaches the stomach for digestion
• What is the function of the duodenum?

  Neutralizes chyme from the stomach
• What is the vermiform appendix?

  A small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the cecum
• What is the primary function of the jejunum?

  Absorbs most nutrients
• What is the name of the flexure on the right side of the colon?

  Right colic (hepatic) flexure