Digestive System Anatomy and Physiology Q&A

Digestive System Fundamentals

1. What does the mucous membrane do? It absorbs nutrients and protects the surface of the duct.
2. What is the function of the large intestine? It absorbs water and electrolytes.
3. What types of digestion occur in the mouth? There are two types: physical and chemical.
4. What organs are located on the right side of the abdomen? Primarily the liver and the gallbladder.
5. What is the epiglottis? A flap of cartilage that prevents food from entering the trachea.
6. What are the two valves of the stomach? The cardiac (esophageal) sphincter and the pyloric sphincter.
7. What is the function of the salivary glands? They produce saliva to begin chemical digestion.
8. What are the two types of carbohydrates? Simple and complex carbohydrates.
9. What are antioxidants? Molecules that fight free radicals in the body.
10. Organ between the mouth and the stomach: The esophagus.
11. What does the pancreas produce? Digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin.
12. What does the liver produce? Bile.
13. What names does food receive throughout the digestive system? Bolus, chyme, and feces.
14. What are intestinal folds? They are structures that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.
15. What does the gallbladder produce? It stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.
16. Parts of the small intestine: Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum is closest to the stomach.
17. Valve between the stomach and duodenum: The pyloric sphincter.
18. Are antibiotics necessary for viral infections? No, antibiotics treat bacterial infections.
19. What is the function of Buscapina? It is an antispasmodic used for abdominal cramps, not headaches.
20. Where is the appendix located? In the cecum of the large intestine.

Digestive Physiology and Clinical Notes

• Nutrient absorption layer: The mucosa of the small intestine.
• Liquids in digestion: Saliva, gastric juices, pancreatic juices, bile, and intestinal juices.
• Buscapina classification: Antispasmodic for the digestive system.
• Tube between mouth and esophagus: The pharynx.
• What is pus? A collection of phagocytes filled with microorganisms.
• Digestive tract components: Pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum), and large intestine (cecum, colon, rectum).
• Protein function: To build body tissues and support growth.
• Structure preventing airway obstruction: The epiglottis.
• Function of Omeprazole: Inhibits stomach acid production.
• Water absorption site: The large intestine.

Advanced Digestive Anatomy

• Biggest organ in the digestive system: The liver.
• Liver structure: Right and left lobes.
• Leukocytes: White blood cells that protect against pathogens.
• Gut flora location: Primarily in the small intestine and colon.
• Small intestine roles: Duodenum (digestion), jejunum and ileum (absorption).
• Enzyme-producing organs: Salivary glands, gastric glands, liver, pancreas, and intestines.