General Functions
What is ingestion?
Introduction of solid and liquid nutrients into the oral cavity. It is the first step in the process of digesting and absorbing nutrients.
Lamina Propria
Composed of areolar tissue, small blood vesssels, and nerves. Absorption occurs when substances move into these vessels.
Mesentery
Double layer of peritoneum. Supports, suspends, stabilizes intraperitoneal GI tract organs.
What are the two distinct regions?
Vestibule and Oral Cavity Proper.
Local reflex, only involves ENS; coordinate small segments of GI tract.
What is Motility?
Voluntary and involuntary muscular contractions, also mixes and moves material through the GI tract..
What is the smooth muscle deep to Lamina Propria?
Muscularis Mucosae.
Greater omentum
Extends inferiorly from inferolateral stomach anc covers most abdominal organs.
Vestibule
Space between gum, lips, and cheeks.
Long Reflex
Involves sensory input to CNS and autonomic motor output; coordinate GI tract motility, secretions, and accessory digestive organs.
Process of producing and releasing fluid products facilitating digestion, for example digestive enzymes, acid, and bile.
What is Muscularis Mucosae?
Contractions facilitate release of secretions into lumen, increase contact of material with mucosa.
Lesser Omentum
Connects superomedial surface of stomach and proximal end of doudunum to the liver.
Oral Cavity Proper
Lies centeral to the teeth and leads posteriorly into oropharynx.
Baroreceptors
Detect stretch in GI tract wall.
What is Chemical Digestion?
It involves specific enzymes to break chemical bonds and change large complex molecules into smaller molecules
What are Peyer patches?
Larger aggregates of lymphatic nodules in distal small intestine.
Falciform Ligament
Flat, thin crescent shaped fold that attaches the liver to internal surface of anterior abdominal wall.
Located on the roof of the oral cavity, separates oral cavity from nasal cavity.
Chemorecptors
Monitor chemical contents in lumen.
What is Absorption?
Transport of digested molecules, electrolytes, vitamins, water. Move from the GI tract into blood or lymph.
Propulsion
Directional movement of materials through GI tract, it occurs by peristalsis: sequential contraction of muscularis, GI tract wall moves like a wave.
Mesentery Proper
Fan shaped fold of peritoneum. Suspends most of small intestine from posterior abdominal wall.
Uvula
Conical projection from posterior soft palate, and elevates with soft palate during swallowing.
Fauces
Opening between oral cavity and orophraynx.