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Alimentary Canal - Week 3
Purpose of digestive system
ingest food
digest or break down complex molecules into simple, soluble materials
that can be absorbed
eliminate unused residues
Only energy-providing macronutrients must be digested for absorption
Most vitamins, minerals, alcohol & water can be absorbed as eaten
Why do DH needs to be familiar with normal GI processes?
disturbances in the GI tract may affect:
Nutritional status
Overall health
Oral health
Alimentary Canal - Week 3 1
, Physiology of the GI Tract
Digestive system = alimentary canal + several accessory organs
Alimentary canal
tubular structure
30 feet long
extends from mouth to anus
comprises all body parts through which food passes
Components of Alimentary Tract
oral cavity
esophagus
Alimentary Canal - Week 3 2
, stomach
Small intestine
Duodenum
Jejunum
Illium
large intestine
cecum
colon
rectum
acessory organs:
salivary glands
Liver
Gall bladder
Pancreas
Purpose of valves or sphincters
retain food in each segment until completion of the mechanical actions
& digestive juices
Allow measured amounts of foods to pass into the next segment
Prevent food from "backing up" into the preceding area.
Digestion of food
Alimentary Canal - Week 3 3
Alimentary Canal - Week 3
Purpose of digestive system
ingest food
digest or break down complex molecules into simple, soluble materials
that can be absorbed
eliminate unused residues
Only energy-providing macronutrients must be digested for absorption
Most vitamins, minerals, alcohol & water can be absorbed as eaten
Why do DH needs to be familiar with normal GI processes?
disturbances in the GI tract may affect:
Nutritional status
Overall health
Oral health
Alimentary Canal - Week 3 1
, Physiology of the GI Tract
Digestive system = alimentary canal + several accessory organs
Alimentary canal
tubular structure
30 feet long
extends from mouth to anus
comprises all body parts through which food passes
Components of Alimentary Tract
oral cavity
esophagus
Alimentary Canal - Week 3 2
, stomach
Small intestine
Duodenum
Jejunum
Illium
large intestine
cecum
colon
rectum
acessory organs:
salivary glands
Liver
Gall bladder
Pancreas
Purpose of valves or sphincters
retain food in each segment until completion of the mechanical actions
& digestive juices
Allow measured amounts of foods to pass into the next segment
Prevent food from "backing up" into the preceding area.
Digestion of food
Alimentary Canal - Week 3 3
