GASTROINTESTINAL PHYSIOLOGY

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - ANSWER-- Functions for the breakdown of food into small molecules so it will be absorbed in the blood - Digestion occurs as food is broken down both chemically and mechanically GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT - ANSWER-- Include the mouth, most of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine up to anus ACCESSORY DIGESTIVE ORGANS - ANSWER-- Include the teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas 1. Digestion 2. Absorption 3. Secretion 4. Motility - ANSWER-4 BASIC PROCESSES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DIGESTION - ANSWER-- Mechanical and chemical processes break down ingested food into small molecules. MECHANICAL DIGESTION - ANSWER-— Physical breakdown of food CHEMICAL DIGESTION - ANSWER-— Breakdown of food with the presence of digestive enzymes. MOTILITY - ANSWER-- Alternating contractions and relaxations of smooth muscle in the walls of the GI tract mix food and secretions and move them towards the anus. - Capability of the GI tract to mix and move material along its length ABSORPTION