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Digestive System Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the main regions of the large intestine?

    The large intestine includes the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum, and anal canal.

  • What is the function of the ileocecal valve?

    The ileocecal valve controls the flow of chyme from the small intestine to the large intestine and prevents backflow.

  • What structures are found in an intestinal villus?

    Intestinal villi contain columnar epithelial cells, goblet cells, capillary networks, lacteals (lymphatic vessels), nerves, and smooth muscle cells.

  • What is the role of goblet cells in the intestine?

    Goblet cells secrete mucus to lubricate and protect the intestinal lining.

  • What is a lacteal and its function?

    A lacteal is a lymphatic vessel in the villus that absorbs dietary fats and transports them to the lymphatic system.

  • Name the layers of the small intestine wall from inside to outside.

    Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa (circular and longitudinal smooth muscle), and serosa.

  • What is the function of the submucosal plexus?

    The submucosal plexus regulates glandular secretions and blood flow within the intestinal wall.

  • What is the portal triad in the liver?

    The portal triad consists of the interlobular artery, interlobular vein, and bile ductule.

  • What is the significance of the interlobular septum in the liver?

    The interlobular septum separates liver lobules and contains branches of the portal triad.

  • What are the main lobes of the liver visible on the anterior surface?

    The right lobe and left lobe, separated by the falciform ligament.

  • What ligaments are associated with the liver?

    Coronary ligament, falciform ligament, and round ligament.

  • What structures are found on the posterior surface of the liver?

    Porta hepatis, hepatic portal vein, hepatic artery proper, bile duct, left and right hepatic veins, caudate lobe, quadrate lobe, and gallbladder.

  • What is the function of the hepatic portal vein?

    It carries nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver for processing.

  • What is the role of the bile duct in the liver?

    The bile duct transports bile produced by hepatocytes to the gallbladder and duodenum.

  • What is the function of the muscularis mucosae in the intestinal wall?

    The muscularis mucosae produces local movements of the mucosa to enhance absorption and secretion.

  • What is the brush border in the small intestine?

    The brush border is formed by microvilli on epithelial cells, increasing surface area for absorption.

  • What is the function of the lymphatic vessels in the intestinal villi?

    They absorb and transport fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive tract.

  • What is the role of the capillary network in the villi?

    It absorbs amino acids and sugars into the bloodstream.

  • What is the significance of the haustra in the large intestine?

    Haustra are pouches that allow expansion and elongation of the colon during mass movement of feces.

  • What is the function of the omental appendices?

    Omental appendices are small fat-filled pouches of visceral peritoneum attached to the colon, possibly involved in immune response.