23. Digestive System

Alimentary canal and related accessory digestive organs

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Activity

Most water is absorbed in the __________.

Bacterial flora in the large intestine does NOT produce __________.

Diarrhea results when food passes too quickly through the large intestine.

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Which of the following is a characteristic of the large intestine?

Multiple Choice

Multiple Choice More than one choice may apply. Match the letter of the digestive organ shown in the figure with its function. ___ absorbs water

Which of the following is not characteristic of the colon? a. It is divided into ascending, transverse, and descending portions; b. it contains abundant bacteria, some of which synthesize certain vitamins; c. it is the main absorptive site; d. it absorbs much of the water and salts remaining in the wastes.

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Multiple Choice More than one choice may apply. A 3-year-old girl is rewarded with a hug because she is now completely toilet trained. Which muscle is one that she has learned to control? a. Levator ani b. Internal anal sphincter c. Internal and external obliques d. External anal sphincter

The major function(s) of the large intestine is (are) (a) reabsorption of water and compaction of feces, (b) absorption of vitamins liberated by bacterial action, (c) storage of fecal material prior to defecation, (d) all of these.

Vitamins generated by bacteria in the colon are (a) vitamins A, D, and E, (b) B complex vitamins and vitamin C, (c) vitamin K, biotin, and pantothenic acid, (d) niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin.

What substances are absorbed in the large intestine?

What are the three primary functions of the large intestine?

What two positive feedback loops are involved in the defecation reflex?

During defecation, (a) stretch receptors in the rectal wall initiate a series of peristaltic contractions in the colon and rectum, (b) stretch receptors in the rectal wall activate parasympathetic centers in the sacral region of the spinal cord, (c) the internal anal sphincter relaxes while the external anal sphincter contracts, (d) all of these occur, (e) only a and b occur.

Aiden has had nonstop diarrhea all day and is severely weakened. Why is his nurse concerned?

Kayla has been on antibiotics for an extended period. A visit to her physician reveals that she has a vitamin K deficiency. What is the cause-and-effect relationship here?

A baby is admitted to the hospital with a history of diarrhea and watery feces occurring over the last three days. The baby has sunken fontanelles (the not yet ossified spaces between skull bones in infants), indicating extreme dehydration. Tests indicate that the baby has a bacterium-induced colitis, and antibiotics are prescribed. Because of the baby's loss of intestinal juices, do you think that his blood pH would indicate acidosis or alkalosis? Explain your reasoning.

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Mr. Holden has had severe diarrhea all day and is severely weakened. Explain why his nurse is concerned about his present condition.

Defecation is stimulated by:

a. stretch receptors in the rectum, initiating the defecation reflex in the spinal cord.

b. segmentation of haustra in the proximal large intestine.

c. contraction of the external anal sphincter.

d. activation of the defecation reflex by the presence of fecal material in the proximal large intestine.

Irritant laxatives increase the amount of water in the feces by triggering an inflammatory response in the intestinal mucosa. Explain why an inflammatory response causes this effect.

Predict what types of nervous system damage might lead to a loss of the defecation reflex.

Which of the following is not one of the functions of the bacterial flora of the large intestine?

a. Metabolism of undigested carbohydrates

b. Deterring the growth of harmful bacteria

c. Chemical digestion of dietary proteins

d. Stimulation of the immune system

e. Vitamin production

Large Intestine & Defecation

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Regulation of defecation

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