Digestive System: Functions, Organs, and Common Conditions

1. Functions of the Digestive System

Digestion and absorption of nutrients.

2. Elements Forming the Small Intestine

Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

3. Valves of the Stomach

The stomach has the pyloric valve, and the duodenum connects with the esophagus via the cardia.

4. Portions of the Large Intestine

The large intestine is divided into the following parts:

• The first portion consists of a blind sac.
• The second part is called the ascending colon.
• The third portion is the transverse colon.
• The fourth part is the descending colon.
• Finally, the sigmoid colon, rectum, and anus.

5. Intestinal Loops

Intestinal loops are folds that form the small intestine to adapt to the available space in the abdomen.

6. Gastrointestinal Annexes

These include the parotid salivary glands, minor salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

7. What is Bile?

Bile is a yellowish, alkaline substance produced by the liver. Its function is to dissolve fat.

8. What is Chyme?

Chyme is the mixture of food produced in the stomach due to its peristaltic movements.

9. Intestinal Absorption

Intestinal absorption is the process by which nutrients from food pass into the bloodstream from the intestine.

10. What is Esophagitis?

Esophagitis is the inflammation, irritation, or swelling of the lining of the esophagus.

11. What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing.

12. What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a stinging or burning sensation in the esophagus.

13. What is Hepatitis and its Types?

Hepatitis is a condition or disease/illness featuring inflammation of the liver.

Types:

• Viral: A, B, C, D
• Toxic: Drugs, medications, alcohol

14. What is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is the final consequence of many chronic liver diseases, causing degeneration of the liver.

15. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a disease that affects nutrient absorption.

16. What are Gallstones?

Gallstones are formations of stones in the gallbladder.

17. Endocrine Pancreas Disease

Diabetes Mellitus.

18. Composition of Gallstones

Gallstones are composed of cholesterol and calcium.

19. Beta Cells

Beta cells are a type of insulin-producing pancreatic cell located in the islets.

20. What is a Stoma?

A stoma is a surgical communication of a hollow organ with the outside.

21. Utility of Stomata

Stomata are used to feed the patient with nutrition and allow defecation through an elimination stoma.

22. What is a Gastrostomy?

A gastrostomy is a surgical communication of the stomach with the outside.

Complications of an Immediate Stoma

Necrosis, wound dehiscence, sinking, bleeding, infection, edema.

Utility of Rectal Probing

• As a treatment to relieve abdominal distension caused by gas retention in cases of constipation or flatulence.

Concepts of Food and Nutrition

Food is a voluntary act defined as how to obtain and prepare food for later ingestion.

Nutrition is an involuntary act; it is the set of processes that food undergoes in the body from ingestion, digestion, and absorption.

What is Food Science?

Food science is the science of food, its retention, and its treatment.

Functions of Nutrients

• Energy function: Fats, Carbohydrates
• Plastic repair: Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals

Classification of Macronutrients

Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

What is Metabolism?

Metabolism is the set of metabolic reactions occurring in the body to convert food.

Metabolism is divided into two parts: catabolism and anabolism.

What are Trace Elements?

Trace elements are essential substances found in small amounts, such as Selenium and Zinc.

Basic Molecule of Carbohydrates

Monosaccharides.

Two Examples of Monosaccharides

Glucose and fructose.

Two Examples of Disaccharides

Sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

A Polysaccharide of Animal Origin

Glycogen.

Properties of Carbohydrates

They are soluble in water and have a sweet taste.

Elementary Molecule of Lipids

Fatty acids.

What are Saturated Fatty Acids?

Saturated fatty acids are those in which the chain only has single bonds between carbon atoms, usually of animal origin.

Importance of Unsaturated Fatty Acids

• Monounsaturated: Reduce cholesterol.
• Polyunsaturated: Cardioprotective.

What are Trans Fats?

Trans fats are artificially modified hydrogenated fats used for food preservation.

Elementary Molecules of Proteins

Amino acids.

Composition of Proteins

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

What are Proteins of High Biological Value?

Proteins of high biological value are those with the nine essential amino acids.

What is Urea?

Urea is the end result of protein metabolism.