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Chapter 24 (Digestive System)
Human Anatomy and Physiology (Athabasca University)
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Chapter 24: Digestive System
24.1 Overview of the Digestive System
Digestive System
Organs involved in breakdown of food.
Two groups of organs:
1. Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract
2. Accessory digestive organs
Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract/Alimentary Canal
Continuous tube from mouth to anus.
GI tract muscles contract to breakdown food.
Includes (6):
o Mouth, Pharynx, Esophagus, Stomach, Small/Large Intestines.
Accessory Digestive Organs
Aids in chemical and physical breakdown.
Secretes enzymes.
Includes (6):
o Teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas.
Six Functions:
1. Ingestion
2. Secretion
3. Mixing and propulsion
Motility: the ability of GI tract to move material.
4. Digestion
Mechanical/Chemical Digestion
5. Absorption
The intake of ingested food/minerals/ions.
6. Defacation
The release of feces; materials that were not absorbed.
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24.2 Layers of the GI Tract
4 layers of GI Tract:
Mucosa (deep)
Submucosa
Muscularis
Serosa/adventitia (superficial)
Mucosa (Deep)
Inner lining of GI tract, is a mucous membrane.
3 layers: (1) layer of epithelium, (2) lamina propria, (3) muscularis mucosae.
1. Epithelium
Protection, secretion and absorption, and seal.
Enteroendocrine cells secrete hormones.
2. Lamina Propria
Contains vessels for nutrient absorption.
Contains Mucosa associated lymphatic tissue (MALT), which is for immune system.
3. Muscularis Mucosae
Folds for increased surface area for digestion and absorption.
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Submucosa
Blood and lymphatic vessels for food molecule absorption.
Contains submucosal plexus.
Muscularis
Skeletal muscles for swallowing food and shitting.
Smooth muscles for involuntary contractions.
Serosa
Portion of GI tract suspended in abdominal cavity; areolar connective tissue.
Also called Visceral Peritoneum because it forms part of peritoneum.
Adventitia is the superficial layer of esophagus; only 1 layer of areolar tissue.
24.3 Neural Innervation of the GI Tract
Enteric Nervous System (ENS)
“Brain of the gut”
Arranged in two plexuses:
o Myenteric Plexus/Plexus of Auerbach
o Submucosal Plexus/Plexus of Meissner
Wall contains 2 receptors: (1) Chemoreceptors, (2) Mechanoreceptors
Myenteric Plexus/Plexus of Auerbach
Between longitudinal and circular smooth muscle.
Controls GI tract motility (movement), such as strength and contraction frequency.
Submucosal Plexus/Plexus of Meissner
Found within the submucosa.
Controls the secretion of organs in GI tract.
Autonomic Nervous System
Vagus (X) nerve supply parasympathetic parts of GI tract.
o Stimulation of parasympathetic nerves causes an increase in GI tract secretion and
motility.
Sympathetic nerves arise from thoracic and upper lumbar of spinal cord.
o Stimulation causes a decrease in secretion and motility.
Gastrointestinal Reflex Pathways
Regulate secretion and motility.
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24.4 Peritoneum
Peritoneum
Largest serous membrane of body.
Divided into: (1) Parietal peritoneum, (2) Visceral peritoneum.
Parietal Peritoneum
Lines the wall of abdominal cavity.
Visceral Peritoneum
Covers some organs in abdomen and is their serosa.
Peritoneal Cavity
Slim space containing lubricating fluid; between parietal and visceral.
Retroperitoneal
Organs on the posterior abdominal wall which is covered by peritoneum only on their anterior
side.
Kidneys, ascending/descending colons of large intestine, duodenum of small intestine, pancreas.
5 Peritoneal Folds:
1. Greater Omentum
Largest peritoneal fold, with four layers.
Adipose tissue that can greatly expand.
2. Falciform Ligament
Attaches liver to anterior abdominal wall (liver is the only anterior organ).
3. Lesser Omentum
Anterior fold in serosa of stomach and duodenum.
Pathway for blood vessels to liver.
4. Mesentery
Binds jejunum and ileum (small intestine) to posterior abdominal wall.
Typically, full of fat which forms two layers.
5. Mesocolon
Bind transverse and sigmoid colon (large intestine) to posterior abdominal wall.
Carries blood and lymphatic vessels to intestines.
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24.5 Mouth
Mouth/Oral (Buccal) Cavity
Formed by cheeks, hard and soft plates, and tongue.
Cheeks
Covered by skin (external) and mucous membrane (internal).
Buccinator muscles and connective tissue lie between skin and mucous membrane.
Lips/Labia
Folds surrounding the opening; contain orbicularis oris muscle.
Labial Frenulum
Midline fold that attaches each lip to the gums.
Oral Vestibule
Space between gum, teeth, cheeks, and lips. It’s the fucking hole mate.
Oral Cavity Proper
Space between gums/teeth to fauces (throat entrance).
Hard Plate
Anterior portion of roof of mouth.
Bony partition between oral and nasal cavities; maxillae and palatine bones.
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Soft Plate
Posterior roof of mouth.
Muscular partition between oropharynx and nasopharynx, lined with mucous membrane.
Uvula
Fingerlike muscular structure which prevents food and liquids from entering nasal cavity.
Salivary Glands
Salivary Glands
Gland that releases saliva in oral cavity.
Lubrication, chemical breakdown of food.
Major salivary glands (4):
o Parotid Glands
o Submandibular Glands
o Sublingual Glands
o Lesser sublingual Glands
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Composition and Functions of Saliva
Saliva
99.5% water and 0.5% solutes.
o Contains ions and enzymes (salivary amylase).
Main functions:
o Dissolution of food (salivary amylase)
o Buffer acidic food
o Remove waste molecules
o Lubrication
o Fights bacteria
Salivary amylase
Activated by Cl- ions.
Breakdown of starch into maltose, maltotriose, a-dextrin.
Salivation
Secretion of saliva, controlled by autonomic nervous system.
Parasympathetic promotes continuous secretion.
Sympathetic dominates during stress, resulting in dryness.
Feel and food taste stimulates salivation.
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Tongue
Tongue
Accessory digestive organ made of skeletal muscles.
Divided into symmetrical lateral halves (median septum).
Extrinsic Muscles of Tongue
Move the tongue side to side and in and out for chewing; hold the tongue in position.
Includes hyoglossus, genioglossus, styloglossus.
Intrinsic Muscles of Tongue
Shape and size for speech and swallowing.
Longitudinalis superior, inferior, transversus linguae, verticalis linguae.
Lingual Frenulum
Attached to floor of mouth; limits the posterior movement of tongue.
Papillae
Contains taste buds, while some contain receptors for touch and increase friction.
Lingual glands
Secrete mucus and watery serous fluid containing enzymes (lingual lipase).
Lingual lipase
Enzyme that acts on triglycerides and converts them to simpler fatty acids.
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Teeth
Dentitions
Two sets of teeth: (1) Deciduous, (2) Permanent
Deciduous Teeth/Primary/Milk/Baby Teeth
Begin to come at 6 months, ~2 teeth each month, until 20 teeth.
Deciduous Teeth:
Central Incisor
Lateral Incisor
Canine/cuspids
First molar
Second molar
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Permanent (Secondary) Teeth
Appear between 6 – 12 years; contains 34 teeth.
Deciduous molars are replaced by first/second premolars (bicuspids).
First Permanent Molar appear at age 6.
Second Permanent Molar appear at age 12.
Third Permanent Molar (wisdom teeth) appear after 17 or not.
Permanent Teeth:
Central Incisor
Lateral Incisor
Canine
First premolar (bicuspid)
Second Premolar (bicuspid)
1st molar
2nd molar
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3rd molar (wisdom)
Mechanical and Chemical Digestion in the Mouth
Mastication
Chewing; food is manipulated by tongue, ground by teeth, and mixed in saliva.
Bolus
Soft, flexible mass of food; Result of mastication.
Salivary Amylase
Secreted by salivary glands.
Chemical breakdown of food into monosaccharides.
Lingual Lipase
Secreted by lingual glands in tongue.
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Activates in the stomach (acidic), and breaks down triglycerides (fat and oil) into fatty acids and
diglycerides.
24.6 Pharynx
Pharynx
From internal nares to esophagus (posteriorly) and larynx (anteriorly).
Nasopharynx (respiratory), Oropharynx (respiratory/digestive), laryngopharynx
(respiratory/digestive).
Helps propel food into the esophagus and stomach.
24.7 Esophagus
Esophagus
Collapsible muscular tube, posterior to trachea.
Begins inferior of laryngopharynx and ends in the stomach.
Esophageal Hiatus
Opening in the diaphragm that the esophagus passes through to reach stomach.
Histology of the Esophagus
Mucosa
Nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae.
Protection against abrasion and wear and tear from food.
Submucosa
Areolar connective tissue, blood vessels, and mucous glands.
Muscularis
Mix of skeletal and smooth muscles.
Forms upper/lower esophageal sphincters.
Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES)
Consists of skeletal muscles.
Regulates movement of food from pharynx to esophagus.
Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
Consists of smooth muscles.
Regulates movement from esophagus to stomach.
Adventitia
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Superficial layer of esophagus (instead of serosa).
Attaches esophagus to surrounding structures.
Physiology of Esophagus
Secretes mucus and transports food into stomach.
Does not produce digestive enzymes or absorb.
24.8 Deglutition
Deglutition
Movement of food to stomach; act of swallowing.
Three stages:
o Voluntary stage
o Pharyngeal stage
o Esophageal stage.
Voluntary Stage
Movement of bolus by tongue to the oropharynx.
Pharyngeal Stage
Involuntary swallowing.
Bolus stimulates receptors in oropharynx and sends impulses to Deglutition center (in medulla
oblongata and lower pons).
Pharynx and epiglottis closes preventing water and food to enter nasal cavity and respiratory
tract.
Esophageal Stage
Starts once bolus enters esophagus.
Peristalsis begins.
o Progression of coordinated muscular contractions to push bolus down.
24.9 Stomach
Anatomy of the Stomach
Cardia
Surrounds the opening of esophagus into stomach.
Fundus
Rounded portion superior to and left of cardia.
Body
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Central portion of stomach, inferior to fundus.
Pyloric Antrum
Connects to body of stomach.
Pyloric Canal
Leads to the pylorus.
Pylorus
Connects to duodenum.
Rugae
Large folds of stomach.
Pyloric Sphincter
Smooth muscle; communication between pylorus and duodenum.
Lesser Curvature
Concave medial border of stomach.
Greater Curvature
Convex lateral border.
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Histology of the Stomach
Mucosa
Surface mucous cells
Surface of the mucosa; simple columnar epithelial cells.
Lamina propria
Areolar connective tissue.
Muscularis mucosae
Smooth muscles.
Gastric glands
Columns of secretory cells in the lamina propria.
Empties into gastric pits.
Gastric Glands
Contains 3 types of exocrine gland cells: (1) mucous neck, (2) chief, (3) parietal cells.
Mucous neck cells
Secrete mucus.
Parietal cells
Produce intrinsic factor and hydrochloric acid.
Chief cells
Pepsinogen and gastric lipase.
Gastric Juice
Made up of the secretions of mucous, parietal, and chief cells (2 – 3L /day).
G Cell
Enteroendocrine cell that secretes gastrin into the bloodstream.
Submucosa
Areolar connective tissue.
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Muscularis
Three layers of smooth muscles: outer longitudinal, middle circular, inner oblique layer.
Serosa
Simple squamous epithelium and areolar connective tissue.
Mechanical and Chemical Digestion in the Stomach
Propulsion
Movement of gastric content from stomach to antrum via peristalsis.
Retropulsion
Movement of food back into the stomach because too big.
Chyme
Liquefied food due to breakdown with gastric juice.
Gastric emptying
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Movement of chime through the pyloric sphincter.
Proton Pumps
Transports H+ into the lumen while bringing K+ into the cell.
Uses H+-K+ ATPases.
Pepsin
Protein digesting enzyme in the stomach; Secreted by chief cells.
Breaks amino acids into peptide fragments.
Not active at pH <2.
Gastric Lipase
Breaks down triglycerides (fats and oils) into fatty acids and monoglycerides.
24.10 Pancreas
Anatomy of the Pancreas
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Histology of the Pancreas
Acini (99%)
Exocrine cells of the pancreas.
Secretes fluid and digestive enzymes (pancreatic juice).
Pancreatic Islets (Islets of Langerhans) (1%)
Endocrine cells.
Secretes glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide.
Composition and Functions of Pancreatic Juice
Pancreatic Amylase
Enzymes that digest starch.
Trypsin, Chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase, and elastase
Digest proteins into peptides.
Pancreatic Lipase
Digests triglycerides.
Ribonuclease, deoxyribonuclease
Digests RNA and DNA into nucleotides.
Trypsinogen
Inactive form of Trypsin.
Enterokinase
Enzyme that activates trypsinogen into trypsin.
Trypsin then activates other digestive proteins.
24.11 Liver and Gallbladder
Anatomy of Liver and Gallbladder
Liver parts (5):
Right/left lobe, quadrate/caudate lobe (part of left), ligamentum teres (umbilical cord remains).
Gallbladder parts (3):
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Fundus, body, neck.
Histology of the Liver and Gallbladder
Hepatocytes
Functional cells of liver for metabolic, secretory, and endocrine functions.
Secretes bile.
Bile Canaliculi
Spaces where bile collects in.
Bile canaliculi -> bile ductules -> bile ducts -> right/left hepatic ducts -> common hepatic duct -> cystic
duct -> common bile duct -> duodenum.
Hepatic Sinusoids
Highly permeable blood capillaries between hepatocytes; oxygen/CO 2 exchange.
Central Vein
Receives blood from hepatic sinusoids, and bring blood to hepatic veins.
Anatomical/functional units of hepatocytes (3):
Hepatic Lobule
Each hepatic lobule is hexagon.
Portal Lobule
Emphasizes bile secretion; triangle shape.
Hepatic Acinus
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Blood Supply of the Liver
Two sources:
o Hepatic artery (oxygenated blood)
o Hepatic portal vein (deoxygenated blood)
Role and Composition of Bile
Consist mainly of:
o Water, bile salts, cholesterol, lecithin, bile pigments, and ions.
Primary function: absorption of dietary fats.
Bilirubin is the principal pigment of bile.
Emulsification is the breakdown of large lipid globules into a suspension; aided by bile salts.
Functions of the Liver (9):
1. Carbohydrate metabolism
2. Lipid metabolism
3. Protein metabolism
4. Processing of drugs and hormones
5. Excretion of bilirubin
6. Synthesis of bile salts
7. Storage
8. Phagocytosis
9. Activation of Vitamin D
24.12 Small Intestine
Anatomy of Small Intestine
Divided into 3 regions:
Duodenum
First part; shortest region.
Jejunum
2nd portion; 1 m long.
Ileum
Last portion; 2 m long.
Joins the large intestine through ileocecal sphincter (valve), a smooth muscle sphincter.
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Histology of Small Intestines
Mucosa
Composed of epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae.
Absorptive cells
Contain microvilli (for reabsorption) and releases digestive enzymes.
Goblet cells
Secrete mucus.
Intestinal glands/crypts of Lieberkuhn
Secrete intestinal juice; contains enteroendocrine cells.
Paneth Cells
Secrete bacterial lysozyme.
3 hormones secreted by enteroendocrine cells:
1. Secretin
2. Cholecystokinin (CKK)
3. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)
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Solitary Lymphatic Nodules
Numerous in distal ileum.
Aggregated Lymphatic Follicles/ Peyer’s Patches
Groups of lymphatic nodules; present in the ileum.
Submucosa contains:
Duodenal Glands/ Brunner’s Glands
Secrete alkaline mucus for neutralizing gastric acid in chyme.
Muscularis of small intestine:
Consists of two layers of smooth muscles.
Structural features of small intestine:
Circular Folds
Folds of mucosa and submucosa.
Enhance absorption by increasing surface area.
Villi
Finger-like projections of the mucosa.
Increases surface area for digestion and absorption.
Lacteal
Lymphatic capillaries covering the villi.
Microvilli
Projections of apical membrane of absorptive cells; increase surface area.
Brush border
Fuzzy line of microvilli under the microscope, extending to lumen.
Contains enzymes for digestion.
Role of Intestinal Juice and Brush-Border Enzymes
Intestinal Juice
Aids in absorption of substances from chyme.
Brush-border enzymes
Carbohydrate-digesting enzymes
o Dextrinase, maltase, sucrose, lactase.
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Protein-digesting enzymes
o Aminopeptidase, dipeptidase
Nucleotide-digesting enzymes
o Nucleosidases, phosphatases
Mechanical Digestion in Small Intestines
Two types of movements: (1) Segmentations, (2) migrating motility complexes
Segmentations
Localized, mixing contractions with chyme and digestive juices, and makes contact with mucosa
for absorption.
Does not move the food.
Migrating motility complexes
Pushes chyme forward along small intestine to the ileum.
Chemical Digestion in Small Intestines
Enzymes for Carbohydrates:
Dextrinase
Sucrase
Lactase
Maltase
Enzymes for Proteins
Peptidase
Aminopeptidase
Dipeptidase
Enzymes for Lipids
Lipase
o Lingual, gastric, and pancreatic lipase.
Enzymes for Nucleic Acids
Nucleosidases
Phosphatases
Absorption in Small Intestine
Absorption of Monosaccharides
Via facilitated diffusion/active transport through apical membrane.
Absorption of Amino acids, Dipeptides, and Tripeptides
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Via active transport in duodenum and jejunum.
Absorption of Lipids and Bile Salts
Via simple diffusion.
Micelles are circular structures of bile salts that surround chyme.
Chylomicrons triglyceride globules with phospholipids and cholesterol.
Lipoprotein lipase breakdown triglycerides in chylomicrons and other lipoproteins.
Enterohepatic circulation
Cycle of bile secretion, reabsorption, and resecretion.
Absorption of Electrolytes
Mostly come from GI secretions.
Active transport
Absorption of Vitamins
Mostly simple diffusion.
Vitamin B12 through active transport.
Absorption of Water
Occurs via osmosis from lumen to blood capillaries.
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24.13 Large Intestine
Anatomy of the Large Intestine
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Histology of Large Intestines
Mucosa
Simple columnar, lamina propria (areolar tissue), and muscularis mucosae (smooth muscle).
Contains absorptive cells for water, and goblet cells to secret mucus (lubricant).
Does not have surface area enhancers.
Submucosa
Consists of areolar connective tissue.
Muscularis
External smooth muscle and internal circular smooth muscle.
Teniae coli thickened longitudinal muscles forming a band.
Haustra pouches in the colon.
Serosa
Part of visceral peritoneum.
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Mechanical Digestion of Large Intestines
Gastroileal Reflex
Intensifies peristalsis and forces chyme into cecum.
Gastrin relaxes sphincter.
Haustral Churning
Relaxation of haustra until it becomes filled and contracts.
Mass Peristalsis
Strong peristaltic wave from mid transverse colon into rectum.
Gastrocolic Reflex
Initiated by food; starts the full reflex processes.
Chemical Digestion in Large Intestines
Final stage of digestion.
Bacterium breaks down remaining food, which produces gas.
Absorption and Feces Formation in Large Intestines
Feces consist of water, organics, undigested materials, bacteria, etc.
Large intestines absorb ~10% of water and some ions.
Defecation Reflex
Defecation Reflex
Stimulated by build-up of shit in rectal wall.
Rectal muscles contract increasing pressure.
Diarrhea
Increase in frequency, volume, and fluid content of feces
Due to decreased absorption and increased motility.
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult defecation, due to decreased motility.
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24.14 Phases of Digestion
Cephalic Phase
Prepare the mouth and stomach for food
Increased salivation and gastric juice secretion.
Gastric Phase
Initiates once food enters stomach.
Regulated by neural and hormonal mechanisms.
o Neural Regulation: results in peristalsis and stimulation of gastric juice.
o Hormonal Regulation: gastric secretions are controlled by Gastrin.
Intestinal Phase
Initiates once food enters small intestine; slows down the movement of chyme.
Neural Regulation:
o chyme causes enterogastric reflex which inhibits gastric motility.
Hormonal Regulation:
o CCK stimulates pancreatic juice, contraction of gallbladder, and feeling of fullness.
o Secretin stimulates pancreatic juice, enhances effects of CCK, buffering of acid.
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Disorders
Dental Caries
Tooth decay, softening of enamel and dentin.
Can cause infection if not treated.
Periodontal Disease
Inflammation and degeneration of the gingivae, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and
cementum.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Lesion in membranes due to:
o Bacteria, anti-inflammatory drugs, hypersecretion of HCl.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of the walls of colon.
Colorectal Cancer
Fucking cancer…
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver.
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