NSG 530 / NSG 530
EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE
Advanced Pathophysiology - Wilkes
THIS GUIDE CONTAINS:
NSG 530 Exam 3 Study Guide
key Terms and Definitions
Review Course
Expert-Verified
### 1. Role of the Digestive System
,The digestive system is crucial for converting ingested food into energy and nutrients that
the body can use. It breaks down food mechanically and chemically, allowing for the
transfer of energy-rich macronutrients, along with water and electrolytes, into the internal
environment of the body. This process supports cellular metabolism and overall
physiological functions.
### 2. Components of the Gastrointestinal Tract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes several components: the mouth, esophagus,
stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Each part plays a vital role in the
overall process of digestion, facilitating the breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and
elimination of waste products through coordinated actions.
### 3. Functions of the Gastrointestinal System
The gastrointestinal system accomplishes four primary functions:
- **Movement:** Propelling contents through the digestive tract via peristalsis.
- **Secretion:** Releasing digestive juices and enzymes critical for digestion.
- **Digestion:** Breaking down food substances into absorbable units.
- **Absorption:** Uptake of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from the gut into the
bloodstream.
### 4. Alimentary Canal
The alimentary canal, synonymous with the GI tract, forms a continuous tube extending
from the mouth to the anus. This tube is designed for the efficient breakdown and
absorption of food materials, presenting an organized pathway for digestion and waste
excretion.
### 5. Layers of the Gastrointestinal Tract
The gastrointestinal tract is structured in layers, which include:
- **Mucosa:** The innermost layer responsible for secretion and absorption of nutrients.
- **Submucosa:** Contains blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerve fibers providing support.
,- **Muscularis:** Facilitates movement through two muscle layers; circular and
longitudinal.
- **Serosa/Adventitia:** The outermost protective layer providing structural support.
### 6. Enteric (Intramural) Plexus
The enteric plexus is a complex network of neurons embedded in the gastrointestinal wall,
autonomously controlling gut motility, secretion, sensation, and blood flow. It functions
semi-independently from the central nervous system, allowing localized reflexes that
coordinate complex digestive actions.
### 7. Functions of Saliva
Saliva plays essential roles in digestion and oral health, including:
- **Lubrication:** Moistening food to facilitate swallowing.
- **Antibacterial Action:** Containing enzymes and compounds that limit bacterial growth.
- **pH Regulation:** Neutralizing acids that may damage dental health.
- **Thermoregulation:** Aiding in the cooling of food.
- **Enzymatic Digestion:** Initiating the breakdown of carbohydrates via salivary amylase.
### 8. Phases of Swallowing
Swallowing involves two distinct phases:
- **Oropharyngeal Phase:** This voluntary phase occurs when food is formed into a bolus
and pushed toward the pharynx.
- **Esophageal Phase:** An involuntary phase where the bolus enters the esophagus,
triggering peristalsis that moves it toward the lower esophageal sphincter.
### 9. Oropharyngeal Swallowing
The oropharyngeal phase is a voluntary process that involves the coordination of striated
muscle to form a bolus of food and propel it into the pharynx, preparing it for the next
phase of swallowing.
### 10. Esophageal Swallowing
, Esophageal swallowing is an involuntary action characterized by the transport of the food
bolus down the esophagus through coordinated muscle contractions referred to as
peristalsis, ultimately reaching the lower esophageal sphincter.
### 11. Permanent Teeth in Adults
Adults typically have 32 permanent teeth which are critical for the mechanical breakdown
of food, aiding in the digestive process by increasing surface area for enzyme action.
### 12. Salivary Glands
The three pairs of salivary glands—parotid, sublingual, and submandibular—are responsible
for producing saliva which aids in digestion and oral health by moistening food and
providing lubrication.
### 13. pH of Saliva
Saliva has an approximate pH of 7.4, which is important for neutralizing bacterial acids and
preventing tooth decay, thus playing a crucial role in oral health.
### 14. Mucin
Mucin is a glycoprotein that forms a sticky mucus lining in the digestive and respiratory
tracts. This mucus traps microorganisms, providing lubrication and serving as a first line of
defense against pathogens.
### 15. Upper Esophageal Sphincter
The upper esophageal sphincter prevents ambient air from entering the esophagus during
respiration, maintaining a sealed environment essential for effective swallowing and
preventing aspiration.
### 16. Lower Esophageal Sphincter
The lower esophageal sphincter functions as a barrier to prevent the backflow (regurgitation)
of gastric contents into the esophagus, thereby protecting the esophageal lining from caustic
injury.
EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE
Advanced Pathophysiology - Wilkes
THIS GUIDE CONTAINS:
NSG 530 Exam 3 Study Guide
key Terms and Definitions
Review Course
Expert-Verified
### 1. Role of the Digestive System
,The digestive system is crucial for converting ingested food into energy and nutrients that
the body can use. It breaks down food mechanically and chemically, allowing for the
transfer of energy-rich macronutrients, along with water and electrolytes, into the internal
environment of the body. This process supports cellular metabolism and overall
physiological functions.
### 2. Components of the Gastrointestinal Tract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes several components: the mouth, esophagus,
stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Each part plays a vital role in the
overall process of digestion, facilitating the breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and
elimination of waste products through coordinated actions.
### 3. Functions of the Gastrointestinal System
The gastrointestinal system accomplishes four primary functions:
- **Movement:** Propelling contents through the digestive tract via peristalsis.
- **Secretion:** Releasing digestive juices and enzymes critical for digestion.
- **Digestion:** Breaking down food substances into absorbable units.
- **Absorption:** Uptake of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from the gut into the
bloodstream.
### 4. Alimentary Canal
The alimentary canal, synonymous with the GI tract, forms a continuous tube extending
from the mouth to the anus. This tube is designed for the efficient breakdown and
absorption of food materials, presenting an organized pathway for digestion and waste
excretion.
### 5. Layers of the Gastrointestinal Tract
The gastrointestinal tract is structured in layers, which include:
- **Mucosa:** The innermost layer responsible for secretion and absorption of nutrients.
- **Submucosa:** Contains blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerve fibers providing support.
,- **Muscularis:** Facilitates movement through two muscle layers; circular and
longitudinal.
- **Serosa/Adventitia:** The outermost protective layer providing structural support.
### 6. Enteric (Intramural) Plexus
The enteric plexus is a complex network of neurons embedded in the gastrointestinal wall,
autonomously controlling gut motility, secretion, sensation, and blood flow. It functions
semi-independently from the central nervous system, allowing localized reflexes that
coordinate complex digestive actions.
### 7. Functions of Saliva
Saliva plays essential roles in digestion and oral health, including:
- **Lubrication:** Moistening food to facilitate swallowing.
- **Antibacterial Action:** Containing enzymes and compounds that limit bacterial growth.
- **pH Regulation:** Neutralizing acids that may damage dental health.
- **Thermoregulation:** Aiding in the cooling of food.
- **Enzymatic Digestion:** Initiating the breakdown of carbohydrates via salivary amylase.
### 8. Phases of Swallowing
Swallowing involves two distinct phases:
- **Oropharyngeal Phase:** This voluntary phase occurs when food is formed into a bolus
and pushed toward the pharynx.
- **Esophageal Phase:** An involuntary phase where the bolus enters the esophagus,
triggering peristalsis that moves it toward the lower esophageal sphincter.
### 9. Oropharyngeal Swallowing
The oropharyngeal phase is a voluntary process that involves the coordination of striated
muscle to form a bolus of food and propel it into the pharynx, preparing it for the next
phase of swallowing.
### 10. Esophageal Swallowing
, Esophageal swallowing is an involuntary action characterized by the transport of the food
bolus down the esophagus through coordinated muscle contractions referred to as
peristalsis, ultimately reaching the lower esophageal sphincter.
### 11. Permanent Teeth in Adults
Adults typically have 32 permanent teeth which are critical for the mechanical breakdown
of food, aiding in the digestive process by increasing surface area for enzyme action.
### 12. Salivary Glands
The three pairs of salivary glands—parotid, sublingual, and submandibular—are responsible
for producing saliva which aids in digestion and oral health by moistening food and
providing lubrication.
### 13. pH of Saliva
Saliva has an approximate pH of 7.4, which is important for neutralizing bacterial acids and
preventing tooth decay, thus playing a crucial role in oral health.
### 14. Mucin
Mucin is a glycoprotein that forms a sticky mucus lining in the digestive and respiratory
tracts. This mucus traps microorganisms, providing lubrication and serving as a first line of
defense against pathogens.
### 15. Upper Esophageal Sphincter
The upper esophageal sphincter prevents ambient air from entering the esophagus during
respiration, maintaining a sealed environment essential for effective swallowing and
preventing aspiration.
### 16. Lower Esophageal Sphincter
The lower esophageal sphincter functions as a barrier to prevent the backflow (regurgitation)
of gastric contents into the esophagus, thereby protecting the esophageal lining from caustic
injury.
