Digestive System Overview
What is the main function of the digestive system?
(2 main functions)
To break down food and abosrb nutrients.
What is the term for the process of breaking down food into molecules the body can absorb and use?
Digestion
What type of digestion involves chewing and churning the food?
Mechanical digestion
What organ is responsible for a majority of digestion and absorption of nutrients?
Small intestines
What condition is caused by small, hard crystalline structures forming in the gallbladder?
Gallstones
What are the 3 main processes performed by the GI tract?
Ingestion, digestion, absorption.
What are the 2 main types of digestion?
Mechanical and chemical
What is the first stage of mechanical digestion?
Chewing
What organ prevents food from entering the windpipe when you swallow?
Epiglottis
What is the medical term and its' acronym for heartburn?
GERD
GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease
Name the 4 main parts of the GI tract.
Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines.
What is the term for the muscular movement that pushes food through the digestive tract?
Peristalsis
What substance in the stomach helps enzymes break down proteins and kills bacteria in food?
What organ connects the mouth to the stomach and moves food using peristalsis?
Esophagus
What condition is caused by an autoimmune reaction to gluten?
Celiac Disease
Name the 3 accessory organs of the GI tract.
Liver, gallbladder, pancreas.
What is the main function of the small intestine?
Digestion and nutrient absorption.
What type of mechanical digestion occurs in the stomach as muscles contract to mix food with digestive juices?
Churning - stomach muscles contract to break down food.
Which organ produces bile and which organ stores it?
Liver produces, gallbladder stores.
What 2 conditions are linked to fiber and water intake?
Constipation and diarrhea
How long is the average adult GI tract?
~30 feet
What organ is responsible for absorbing water and forming feces?
Large intestines
What is the term for the mass of food that travels from the mouth to the stomach?
Bolus
Which organ is responsible for producing enzymes like amylase and lipase and releasing them into the small intestines?
Pancreas
What digestive disorder involves changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and irregular colon muscle contractions? (Name and acronym)
IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome