💨 Summary

• What is the primary function of the mouth and oropharynx in digestion?

  Chews, lubricates, begins carbohydrate & fat digestion
• What is the role of the esophagus in the gastrointestinal tract?

  Conduit to stomach
• What are the main functions of the stomach?

  Stores food, churns, secretes proteases & acid
• Where does the main site of digestion and nutrient absorption occur?

  Small intestine
• What is the primary function of the large intestine?

  Reabsorbs water & electrolytes, stores feces
• What are the accessory organs of the gastrointestinal tract?

  • Pancreas: Secretes digestive enzymes & bicarbonate
  • Liver: Produces bile (stored in gallbladder)
  • Salivary Glands: Initiates digestion via enzymes
• What is the role of the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) in GIT regulation?

  It acts as the "minibrain" of the GIT
• What does Meissner’s Plexus control?

  Controls secretion
• What is the function of Auerbach’s Plexus?

  Controls motility
• What is the Brain-Gut Axis?

  Connection between CNS & GIT via vagus nerve
• What hormone stimulates acid secretion in the stomach?

  Gastrin
• What does Cholecystokinin (CCK) stimulate?

  Bile & pancreatic enzymes secretion
• What is the role of Secretin in the gastrointestinal tract?

  Stimulates bicarbonate secretion
• What does Motilin regulate?

  Fasting-state motility (Migrating Motor Complex)
• What are the immune and barrier functions of the GIT?

  • Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT): Defense against pathogens
  • Non-immunologic defense: Acid secretion, mucus, peristalsis
• What is peristalsis in the context of GIT motility?

  Propels food forward
• What is the function of segmentation in the gastrointestinal tract?

  Mixes contents for digestion & absorption
• How are carbohydrates digested and absorbed?

  Digested by amylase, absorbed as monosaccharides
• How are fats digested and absorbed in the GIT?

  Digested by lipases, emulsified by bile
• Where are water and electrolytes mostly absorbed?

  Mostly absorbed in the small intestine