Gastrointestinal

System
Definition: DIGESTION
Functions of the Gastrointestinal System:

Process food substances

Absorb the products of digestion into the blood
Excrete unabsorbed materials
Provide an environment for microorganisms to synthesize
nutrients, such as Vitamin K.
Digestive Processes:
• Ingestion
• Movement of Food
• Digestion
• Absorption
• Defecation
Digestive Organs
Two Categories:
 Alimentary canal (GI Tract)
 Accessory organs
Digestive Organs
Organs of the Digestive System

MOUTH (oral/ buccal cavity)

Palate
Tonsils
Salivary Glands
-digestive functions: lubrication, bind food together,
begin digestion of CHO
-Each salivary gland is composed of 2 types of cells
mucous cells
serous cells - PTYALIN
Pharynx

Esophagus
Stomach
Parts of Stomach:
Small Intestine
Parts of Small Intestine:
Functions of Small Intestine:
a. Major site of chemical digestion (duodenum);
b. Secretions
mucus
digestive enzymes
c. Major site of ABSORPTION of Nutrients
Large Intestine
Parts of Large Intestine:
Parts of Large Intestine:
Functions of Large Intestine:
 secretion = only mucus,
 absorption = water & electrolytes,
 storage = feces

 
Defecation = emptying of rectum
Liver
Location: below diaphragm / right side
Structure: 2 lobes:
each lobe is made up of:
Hepatic lobules =functional unit of the liver
 Functions of the Liver:
a. metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids & proteins,
b. storage (glycogen, Vitamin A, B12, D, iron),
c. filtering of blood,
d. destruction of toxic chemicals- Kupffer’s cells (liver
macrophages)
• remove and destroy:
-microbes;
-foreign matter
e.production/secretion of bile.
Bile
a. composition:
• bile salts (digestive function)
• bile pigments
• cholesterol
• electrolytes
b. function: Emulsification of fat molecules!
Gallbladder
Pancreas
Exocrine Gland
- Secretes sodium bicarbonate
- Secretes pancreatic enzymes for digesting CHO, fats
and proteins.
CHO- pancreatic amylase
fats- pancreatic lipase
CHON- trypsin
Endocrine Gland
- Secretes glucagon to raise the blood sugar levels
- Islets of Langerhans secrete insulin.
Once food has been placed in the mouth, both
mechanical and chemical digestions begin. The six
activities of the digestive process are:
a. ingestion, mastication, digestion, deglutition,
absorption, egestion
b. ingestion, mastication, deglutition, digestion,
absorption, egestion
c. deglutition, ingestion, mastication, egestion,
absorption, defecation
d. ingestion, digestion, mastication, deglutition,
absorption, defecation
Most digestive activity occurs in the pyloric region of
the stomach. What hormone stimulates the chief cells
to produce pepsin?
a. Gastrin
b. secretin
c. HCl
d. Insulin
What pancreatic enzyme aids in the digestion of
carbohydrates?
a. Lipase
b. Trypsin
c. Amylase
d. Chymotrypsin