Muscularis mucosae- thin, smooth muscle layer
-to break down the foods you eat, release their
nutrients, and absorb those nutrients into the body
-blood is diverted to the liver where its nutrients are
off-loaded for processing before blood completes its
circuit back to the heart
1. Alimentary Canal Organs
- aliment- = “to nourish”
-gastrointestinal (GI) tract or gut, one-way tube
about 7.62 meters (25 feet) in length (living) & 10.67
meters (35 feet) in length (death)
-begins at the mouth and terminates at the anus
- Between: pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and small
and large intestines
2. Accessory Structures
- they sprout from the lining cells of the developing
gut (mucosa) and augment its function
-aids in breakdown of food
Teeth and tongue-mechanical digestion
Salivary glands- for chemical digestion
4 tissue layers: Mucosa, Submucosa, Muscularis,
Serosa
Mucosa-mucous membrane
Epithelium-direct contact with ingested food
Lamina propria- layer of connective tissue
analogous to the dermis
Epithelium- non-keratinized, stratified squamous:
mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and anal canal
-simple columnar epithelium: stomach, intestines. In
direct contact with the lumen
Goblet Cells- secrete mucus and fluid into the lumen
Enteroendocrine cells - secrete hormones into the
interstitial spaces between cells
Lamina propria- loose connective tissue,
numerous blood and lymphatic vessels that transport
nutrients. Immune function through MALT (distal
ileum: Peyer’s Patches)
Muscularis mucosae—thin layer of smooth muscle
is in a constant state of tension, pulling the mucosa
of the stomach and small intestine into undulating
folds, increase the surface area available for
digestion and absorption
Submucosa-immediately beneath the mucosa,
broad layer of dense connective tissue. Connects the
overlying mucosa to the underlying muscularis
-includes blood and lymphatic vessels (which
transport absorbed nutrients), and submucosal
glands that release digestive secretions
-serves as a conduit for a dense branching network
of nerves (submucosal plexus)
Muscularis (muscularis externa)-small
intestine is made up of a double layer of smooth
muscle: a. inner circular layer b. outer longitudinal
layer
contractions:
1.promote mechanical digestion
2.expose more of the food to digestive chemicals
3. move the food along the canal
Serosa-portion of the alimentary canal superficial to
the muscularis. Only in the region of the alimentary
canal within the abdominal cavity,
-layer of visceral peritoneum overlying a layer of
loose connective tissue. The mouth, pharynx, and
esophagus have ADVENTITIA(a dense sheath of
collagen fibers ) instead of serosa
-hold the alimentary canal in place near the ventral visceral peritoneum
surface of the vertebral column
-multiple large folds that envelope various
abdominal organs, holding them to the dorsal
Enteric Nervous System – provides intrinsic
innervation-from esophagus to anus (unique to the
GIT)
2 plexuses:

1. myenteric plexus (plexus of Auerbach) - in

the muscularis layer of the alimentary canal

- for motility, especially the rhythm and force of the

contractions of the muscularis

2. submucosal plexus (plexus of Meissner)-in

the submucosal layer

-for regulating digestive secretions and reacting to

the presence of food

Autonomic Nervous System – provides extrinsic

innervation
1. sympathetic activation (fight or flight)
– restricts enteric neuron activity -> GI secretion and
motility decreased
2. parasympathetic activation (the rest-
and-digest) – stimulates neurons of ENS -> GI
secretion and motility increases

1. transport the protein and carbohydrate nutrients

absorbed by mucosal cells after food is digested in
the lumen

2. supply the organs of the alimentary canal with the

nutrients and oxygen needed to drive their cellular
processes

-a broad serous membranous sac made up of
squamous epithelial tissue surrounded by connective
tissue w/c holds the digestive organs in place w/n
the abdominal cavity
two different regions:
parietal peritoneum -lines the abdominal wall
visceral peritoneum-envelopes the abdominal organs
peritoneal cavity - space bounded by the visceral and
parietal peritoneal surfaces
1.INGESTION
-entry of food into the alimentary canal through the
mouth
-> chewed-> mixed w/ saliva-> broken down by
enzymes + lipid digestion via lingual lipase
2.PROPULSION-movement of food through the
digestive tract
SWALLOWING (voluntary) + PERISTALSIS(involuntary)
Swallowing by mouth -> tongue and pharyngeal
muscle -> esophagus
Swallowing – last voluntary act until defecation
PERSITALSIS - sequential, alternating waves of
contraction and relaxation of alimentary wall smooth
muscles, which act to propel food along
DIGESTION
3.Mechanical digestion - is a purely physical
process that does not change the chemical nature of
the food, makes the food smaller to increase both
surface area and mobility
-includes mastication, or chewing, as well as tongue
movements that help break food into smaller bits
and mix food with saliva, also occurs after the food
leaves the mouth as well
-chyme – an acidic “soup” created when mechanical
churning of food in the stomach serves to further
break it apart and expose more of its surface area to
digestive juices
Segmentation- mainly in the small intestine;
localized contractions of circular muscle of the
muscularis layer of the alimentary canal ; isolate
small sections of the intestine, moving their contents
back and forth -> subdividing, breaking up, and
mixing the contents -> mixes food with digestive
juices -> absorption
4.chemical digestion
mouth: digestive secretions break down complex
food molecules into their chemical building-in the
small intestine
5. ABSORPTION-takes place within the small
intestine, from the lumen of the alimentary canal
into the bloodstream through the epithelial cells in
the mucosa
Lipids -> lacteals ->lymphatic vessels to the
bloodstream (the subclavian veins near the heart
6.DEFECATION -final step in digestion
-undigested materials are removed from the body as
feces
Neural Controls
In walls of the alimentary canal -> sensors ->
stimulation -> reflex
Extrinsic nerve plexuses- long reflexes involve the
central and autonomic nervous systems and work in
response to stimuli from outside the digestive system
Intrinsic nerve plexuses – short reflexes
Gastrin–main digestive hormone of the stomach,
and stimulates the secretion of gastric acid by
parietal cells of the stomach mucosa
Secretin – stimulates a watery secretion of
bicarbonate by the pancreas
Cholecystokinin (CCK)- stimulates the secretion of
pancreatic enzymes and bile from the liver and
release of bile from the gallbladder
Gastric inhibitory peptide- inhibits gastric secretion
and slows gastric emptying and motility
-many are secreted by endocrinocytes
Mouth “oral/ buccal cavity” -framed by
cheeks, tongue and palate
Lips “labia”-skin as outer covering -> mucous
membrane (inside), thin layer of keratin, vascular
-covers orbicularis oris muscle
labial frenulum - midline fold of mucous
membrane that attaches the inner surface of each lip
to the gum
cheeks – sidewall, membrane: of non-keratinized,
stratified squamous epithelium, buccinator muscle
oral vestibule- pocket-like part of the mouth that
is framed on the inside by the gums and teeth, and
on the outside by the cheeks and lips
palate - the arched shape of the roof of your mouth
septum - anterior region of the palate ; wall (or
septum) between the oral and nasal cavities as well
as a rigid shelf against which the tongue can push
food- created by the maxillary and palatine bones of
the skull
- bony structure (HARD PALATE)
-ends in the posterior oral cavity
-Soft palate – fleshier; of skeletal muscle
Uvula -fleshy bead of tissue from the center of the
posterior edge of the soft palate
palatoglossal arch, palatopharyngeal arch, palatine
tonsils, lingual tonsils
-strongest muscle in the body, over the floor of the
oral cavity, attached to the mandible, the styloid
processes of the temporal bones, hyoid bone
Intrinsic muscles (those within the tongue) -
allow you to change the size and shape of your
tongue
Ex.: longitudinalis inferior, longitudinalis superior,
transversus linguae, verticalis linguae
Extrinsic muscles
palatoglossus - raises the tongue
hyoglossus - pulls tongue down and back
styloglossus - pulls it up and back
genioglossus - pulls it forward
-perform 3 important functions: (1) position food for
optimal chewing, (2) gather food into a bolus
(rounded mass), and (3) position food so it can be
swallowed.
Papillae- extensions of lamina propria of the
mucosa; top & sides of the tongue in stratified
squamous epithelium
Fungiform papillae - mushroom shaped, cover a
large area of the tongue; larger toward the rear of
the tongue and smaller on the tip and sides, contain
taste buds
filiform papillae -long and thin ; have touch
receptors that help the tongue move food around in
the mouth
Lingual glands-in the lamina propria of the
tongue; secrete mucus and a watery serous fluid that
contains the enzyme lingual lipase
lipase - a minor role in breaking down triglycerides ;
activated in the stomach
Lingual frenulum- a fold of mucous membrane
on the underside of the tongue
- tethers the tongue to the floor of the mouth
-minor exocrine glands are constantly secreting saliva
-average of 1 to 1.5 liters of saliva is secreted / day
-secretion increases when you eat, secreted also by:
labial glands in the lips; buccal glands in the cheeks,
palatal glands in the palate, and lingual glands in the
tongue
• submandibular glands - floor of the mouth,
secrete saliva into the mouth through the
submandibular ducts
•sublingual glands - below the tongue, use the
lesser sublingual ducts to secrete saliva into the oral
cavity
• parotid glands - between the skin and the
masseter muscle, near the ears; secrete saliva into
the mouth through the parotid duct (near the second
upper molar tooth)
-98 to 99.5 percent water, 4.5 percent - complex
mixture of ions, glycoproteins, enzymes, growth
factors, and waste products
salivary amylase- initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates
-pH between 6.35 and 6.85, helps lubricate food,
facilitating movement in the mouth, bolus formation,
and swallowing
immunoglobulin A – prevents microbes from
penetrating the epithelium, and lysozyme, which
makes saliva antimicrobial
epidermal growth factor
submandibular glands – w/ amylase but in a
liquid thick with mucus
sublingual glands – mostly mucus cells ; secrete
the thickest saliva with the least amount of salivary
amylase
parasympathetic stimulation (PS) - keeps saliva
flowing in the absence of food
sympathetic stimulation (SS) - reducing salivation in
times of stress, “dry mouth”

EAT-food stimulates taste receptors in tongue ->
impulses to the superior and inferior salivatory nuclei
in brain stem
-> sends back PS impulses through fibers in the
glossopharyngeal and facial nerves-< salivation
Enamel – covers the dentin in the crown of each
tooth ; hardest substance in the body
dental caries (cavities)- develops when colonies
of bacteria feeding on sugars in the mouth release
acids that cause soft tissue inflammation and
degradation of the calcium crystals of the enamel

-dentes, 2 sets of teeth

20 deciduous teeth, or baby teeth,-begin to appear

at about 6 months of age

32 permanent teeth-replaces the deciduous teeth

between approximately age 6 and 12

8 incisors (four top and four bottom)-sharp front

teeth you use for biting into food

4 cuspids (or canines) - flank the incisors , have a

pointed edge to tear up food

8 premolars (or bicuspids) - flatter shape with two

rounded cusps, useful for mashing foods; posterior
to the cuspids digestion & respiration when food enters the
pharynx, involuntary muscle contractions close off
12 molars - most posterior and largest ; several
the air passageways from the posterior oral and
pointed cusps, used to crush food, wisdom teeth
nasal cavities to the opening of the esophagus and
larynx

-secured in the alveolar process (sockets) of the 3 subdivisions:

maxilla and the mandible
Gingivae (gums)- soft tissues that line the alveolar
processes; surround the necks of the teeth
periodontal ligament – a connective tissue which
holds the teeth in their sockets
2 main part of the tooths:
crown- portion projecting above the gum line
Root - embedded within the maxilla and mandible
1.Nasopharynx – breathing & speech
2.Oropharynx – breathing & digestion; begins
inferior to the nasopharynx and is continuous below
with the laryngopharynx
3.Laryngopharynx- breathing & digestion;
inferior border connects to the esophagus; anterior
portion connects to the larynx, allowing air to flow
into the bronchial tree

-both have inner pulp cavity
-root canal - region of the pulp cavity that runs
through the root of the tooth
-dentin - Surrounding the pulp cavity ; bone-like
tissue
Cementum – a hard, bone-like layer which covers the
dentin in the root of each tooth
-muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the
stomach, 25.4 cm (10 in) posterior to the trachea,
remains in a collapsed form when not engaged in
swallowing. Non-keratinized, stratified squamous
epithelium, w/ a layer of basal and parabasal cells
Lamina propria – contains mucus-secreting glands
-muscularis layer changes according to location:
upper third : muscularis is skeletal muscle
middle third: both skeletal and smooth muscle
lower third: smooth muscle
adventitia - most superficial layer of the esophagus
is called the adventitia, not the serosa
-swallowing, the movement of food from the mouth
to the stomach
-about 4 to 8 seconds for solid or semisolid food, 1
second for very soft food and liquids
-aided by the presence of mucus and saliva and
skeletal muscle of the tongue and the muscles of the
pharynx and esophagus
3 stages
1. Voluntary Phase -oral/buccal phase
-can control when you swallow food, chewing has
been completed and swallowing is set in motion
-tongue moves upward and backward against the
palate, pushing the bolus to the back of the oral
cavity and into the oropharynx
2.Pharyngeal Phase-stimulation of receptors in
the oropharynx -> impulses to the deglutition center
(a collection of neurons that controls swallowing) in
the medulla oblongata ->uvula & soft palate upward
-> close off nasopharynx -> laryngeal muscles
constrict (to prevent aspiration) -> deglutition apnea-
> contraction of pharyngeal constrictor muscles ->
bolus to oropharynx& laryngopharynx
3. Esophageal Phase-entry of food into the
esophagus marks the beginning -controlled by the
medulla oblongata
-Peristalsis propels the bolus ->esophagus ->
stomach
-circular muscle layer of the muscularis contracts->
pinching the esophageal wall
->bolus forward-longitudinal muscle layer of the
muscularis also contracts->shortening this area and
pushing out its walls to receive the bolus-bolus nears
the stomach->distention of the esophagus -
>relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter ->
bolus to pass into the stomach-esophageal glands
secrete mucus
4 main regions
1.cardia (or cardiac region)-point where the
esophagus connects to the stomach through which
food passes into the stomach
-inferior to the diaphragm
2. fundus-dome-shaped ; above and left of the
cardia
3. body - main part of the stomach
4.pylorus-funnel-shaped ; connects the stomach to
the duodenum
pyloric antrum- wider end of the funnel ;
connects to the body of the stomach
pyloric canal- narrower end ; connects to the
duodenum
pyloric sphincter- smooth muscle; controls
stomach emptying
absence of food: stomach deflates inward
Ruga – large fold where the mucosa & submucosa
fall into
Greater curvature- convex lateral surface
Lesser curvature- concave medial border
Lesser Omentum– holds it in place; from liver to
lesser curvature
greater omentum –holds it in place; runs from the
greater curvature to the posterior abdominal wall
-wall of the stomach, same four layers but
adaptations to the mucosa and muscularis
-circular & longitudinal smooth muscles
- muscularis: inner oblique smooth muscle
Mucosa: only of surface mucus cells -secrete alkaline
mucus
Gastric pits-surface”well-used pin cushion”
Gastric gland- secretes gastric juice
cardia & pylorus: mucus-secreting
Cells of the pyloric antrum – secretes mucus &
hormones
Cells:
parietal cells, chief cells, mucous neck cells,
enteroendocrine cells
Parietal cells- middle region of the gastric glands,
among the most highly differentiated of the body’s
epithelial cells, produce both hydrochloric acid (HCl)
and intrinsic factor
HCl - high acidity (pH 1.5 to 3.5) of the stomach
contents ; to activate the protein-digesting enzyme,
pepsin
Intrinsic factor- glycoprotein for the absorption of
vitamin B12 in the small intestine
Chief cells—in the basal regions of gastric glands,
secrete pepsinogen, the inactive proenzyme form of
pepsin
Mucous neck cells— in the gastric glands in the
upper part of the stomach; secrete thin, acidic
mucus
Enteroendocrine cells—found in the gastric glands
secrete various hormones into the interstitial fluid of
the lamina propria like gastrin (mainly by
enteroendocrine G cells)
Gastric Secretion-controlled by both nerves
and hormones, stimuli in the brain, stomach,
and small intestine activate or inhibit gastric
juice production
three phases of gastric secretion
cephalic phase (reflex phase): brief, takes place
before food enters the stomach
-triggered by smell, taste, sight, or thought of
food-impulses from receptors in your taste buds
or the nose -> to your brain-> returns signals->
increase gastric secretion to prepare your
stomach for digestion
Reflex occurs only if you like or want a particular
food. Depression and loss of appetite can
suppress the cephalic reflex.
Gastric phase -lasts 3 to 4 hours-set in motion
by local neural and hormonal mechanisms
triggered by the entry of food into the stomach -
> stimulates parasympathetic neurons ->release
acetylcholine -> increased secretion of gastric
juice
-release from enteroendocrine G cells
stimulated by artially digested proteins,
caffeine, and rising pH-> will also increase HCl
production
-activates vigorous smooth muscle contractions
intestinal phase- both excitatory and
inhibitory elements-duodenum has a major role
in regulating the stomach and its emptying
filled -> intestinal (enteric) gastrin release
intestine distended w/ chyme -> gastrin
inhibited
-protects the stomach from self-digestion
Components:
1.bicarbonate- rich mucus-mucus forms a
physical barrier; bicarbonate ions neutralize acid
2.epithelial cells of the stomach's mucosa meet
at tight junctions, which block gastric juice
3. stem cells located where gastric glands join
the gastric pits quickly replace damaged
epithelial mucosal cells
-surface epithelium of the stomach is
completely replaced every 3 to 6 days
Mechanical Digestion-food enters your
stomach -> mixing waves begin to occur(20sec
interval)
mixing wave - unique type of peristalsis that
mixes and softens the food with gastric juices to
create chyme pylorus holds 30ml chyme
-gastric emptying : rhythmic mixing waves force
about 3 mL of chyme at a time through the
pyloric sphincter and into the duodenum 3ml
chyme at a time-regulated by both the stomach
and the duodenum
-chyme in duodenum – inhibit gastric secretion
; prevent additional chyme from being released
by the stomach before the duodenum is ready
to process it
Chemical Digestion
fundus - stores both undigested food and gases
that are released during the process of chemical
digestion
Salivary amylase - food digestion until it mixes
with acidic chyme
Lingual lipase – break down of trigylcerides into
FFA and mono- and di-glycerides
Intestine“internal” / “guts” collectively
=constitute the greatest mass and length of the
alimentary canal
Small Intestine
=primary digestive organ in the body, all
absorption occurs, longest part of the
alimentary canal - 3.05 meters (10 feet) long in a
living person
=five times longer than the large intestine,
relatively smaller diameter of only about 2.54
cm (1 in), compared with 7.62 cm (3 in) for the
large intestine, 200 m2 surface area (>100 x the
surface area of your skin
-subdivided into three regions (proximal (at the
stomach) to distal): duodenum, Jejunum, ileum
duodenum – shortest region ; 25.4 cm (10in)
diameter-starts at the pyloric sphincter - 4
segments: superior, descending, horizontal,
and ascending duodenum
-hepatopancreatic ampulla (ampulla of Vater)–
marks the transition from the anterior portion
of the alimentary canal to the mid-region
-where the bile duct (through which bile passes
from the liver) and the main pancreatic duct
(through which pancreatic juice passes from the
pancreas) join
hepatopancreatic sphincter (sphincter of Oddi)
-regulates the flow of both bile and pancreatic
juice from the ampulla into the duodenum
Jejunum- 0.9 meters (3 feet) long (in life) and
runs from the duodenum to the ileum-“empty”
ileum
 - longest part of the small intestine,
measuring about 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length,
thicker, more vascular, and has more developed
mucosal folds than the jejunum, joins the
cecum, the first portion of the large intestine, at
the ileocecal sphincter (or valve)
Mesentery – tethers the jejunum and ileum are
tethered to the posterior abdominal wall
-enzymes that finish digesting carbohydrates
and proteins. -200 million microvilli per square
millimeter of small intestine
Intestinal glands (crypt of Lieberkühn)-deep
crevices that dots the mucosa in each villi ,
formed by cells that line intestinal MALT -
produce intestinal juice, a slightly alkaline (pH
7.4 to 7.8) mixture of water and mucus

large intestine frames these three parts of the
small intestine
Parasympathetic nerve fibers from the vagus
nerve and sympathetic nerve fibers from the
thoracic splanchnic nerve-provide extrinsic
innervation to the small intestine
superior mesenteric artery - main arterial
supply
Adaptations most abundant in the proximal
two-thirds of the SI (majority of absorption
occurs)
Circular Folds(plica circulare) - deep ridge in the
mucosa and submucosa-beginning near the
proximal part of the duodenum and ending near
the middle of the ileum-facilitate absorption
-0.95 to 1.9 liters (1 to 2 quarts) secreted in
response to the distention of the small intestine
or the irritating effects of chyme on the
intestinal mucosa
submucosa of the duodenum - only site of the
complex mucus-secreting duodenal glands
(Brunner’s glands)
Brunner’s glands- produce a bicarbonate-rich
alkaline mucus that buffers the acidic chyme as
it enters from the stomach
Intestinal MALT
Peyer’s patches -concentrated in the distal
ileum-keep bacteria from entering the
bloodstream-most prominent in young people ;
less distinct as you age

- causes the chyme to spiral (slows the

movement of chyme and provides the time
needed for nutrients to be fully absorbed)

Villi-within the circular folds; 0.5- 1mm long)

-hairlike vascularized projections -20 to 40 villi

per square millimeter (inc absorption)-covered
by the mucosal epithelium -each has a capillary
bed, one arterioele, one venule, one lacteal

Microvilli(1 µm) -cylindrical apical surface

extensions of the plasma membrane of the
mucosa’s epithelial cells-supported by
microfilaments within those cells-a mass of
bristles (brush borde)
movements of the intestinal smooth muscles are:
a. Segmentation – contents were being shoved
incrementally back and forth, as the rings of smooth
muscle repeatedly contract and then relax ;
combines the chyme with digestive juices and pushes
food particles against the mucosa to be absorbed
-duodenum- where the most rapid segmentation
occurs; 12 times per minute
b.Migrating motility complexes (peristalsis)
Motilin- secreted by the duodenal mucosa ; initiates
migrating motility complex (peristalsis)
begin in the duodenum-> force chyme through a
short section of the small intestine -> stop
-move slowly down the small intestine-> forcing
chyme on the way 0> 90 to 120 minutes to finally
reach the end of the ileum
-lipid digestion facilitated by bile and pancreatic
lipase
-where the digestion of the proteins and
carbohydrates is completed, where most water is
absorbed via osmosis
-enzymatic digestion occurs not only in the lumen,
on the luminal surfaces of the mucosal cells (unique)
-terminal part of the alimentary canal
-finish absorption of nutrients and water, synthesize
certain vitamins, form feces, and eliminate feces
from the body (primary function)
-runs from the appendix to the anus-more than twice
the diameter of the small intestine, about 3 inches
-four main regions: cecum, colon, rectum, anus
-ileocecal valve= at the opening between the ileum
and the large intestine, controls the flow of chyme
from the small intestine to the large intestine.
Cecum-first part of the large intestine, sac-like
structure that is suspended inferior to the ileocecal
valve-6 cm (2.4 in) long
-appendix (vermiform appendix) is a winding tube
that attaches to the cecum ; 7.6-cm (3-in) long ; w/
lymphoid tissue, an immunologic function, vestigial
Colon-blends seamlessly with the colon. Food ->
ascending colon (R abdomen)-> tranverse colon ->
hingut ( last third of the transverse) -> L abdomen –
descending colon-> sigmoid
Retroperitoneum: ascending, descending, rectum
Posterior abdominal wall: transverse colon, sigmoid
colon
Rectum-pelvis, near the third sacral vertebra
-final 20.3 cm (8 in) of the alimentary canal -extends
anterior to the sacrum and coccyx, follows the
curved contour of the sacrum and has three lateral
bends
Rectal valves - internal transverse folds created from
the 3 lateral bends of the rectum, help separate the
feces from gas to prevent simultaneous passage of
feces and gas
Anal Canal-located in the perineum, outside of
the abdominopelvic cavity
-3.8–5 cm (1.5–2 in) ; opens to the exterior of the
body at the anus
two sphincters:
-internal anal sphincter - smooth muscle(involuntary
contractions)
-external anal sphincter - skeletal muscle (voluntary)
-both usually remain closed except defecating
-few enzyme-secreting cells are found in the wall of
the large intestine
-no circular folds or villi
-anal canal, mucosa of the colon : simple columnar
epithelium made mostly of enterocytes (absorptive
cells) and goblet cells
-wall of the large intestine : more intestinal glands
goblet cells-secrete mucus that eases the movement
of feces- protects the intestine from the effects of
the acids and gases
enterocytes-absorb water and salts as well as
vitamins produced by intestinal bacteria
3 features are unique to the large intestine
teniae coli – 3 bands of smooth muscle that make up
the longitudinal muscle layer of the muscularis of the
large intestine, except at its terminal end
Haustra- successions of pouches due to the tonic
contractions of the tenia contractions-responsible for
the wrinkled appearance of the colon
epiploic appendages- small, fat-filled sacs of visceral
peritoneum attached to the teniae coli-unknown
purpose
Anal canal: stratified squamous epithelial mucosa
Anal column – longitudinal folds in the ana canal’s
mucous membrane; has arteries and veins, 2
superficial venous plexuses
Anal sinus - depressions between the anal columns; ,
secrete mucus that facilitates defecation
pectinate line (dentate line) - horizontal, jagged
band that runs circumferentially just below the level
of the anal sinuses, represents the junction between
the hindgut and external skin
*mucosa above – fairly insensitive; visceral sensory
fibers*area below - very sensitive; somatic sensory
fibers
Bacterial Flora-trillions of bacteria live within
the large intestine (bacterial flora)
-nonpathogenic commensal organisms that cause no
harm as long as they stay in the gut lumen
1. peptidoglycan - component of bacterial cell walls,
activates the release of chemicals by the mucosa’s
epithelial cells, which draft immune cells, especially
dendritic cells, into the mucosa
2. Dendritic cells- open the tight junctions between
epithelial cells and extend probes into the lumen to
evaluate the microbial antigens
Mechanical Digestion-begins when chyme moves
from the ileum into the cecum
3 movements:
1. food residues in the colon stimulates a slow-
moving haustral contraction -> sluggish
segmentation and contraction in the haustrum every
30 minutes lasting for 1 minute->mix the food
residue, which helps the large intestine absorb water
2. peristalsis- slower
3. mass movement - strong waves start midway
through the transverse colon and quickly force the
contents toward the rectum; occur three or four
times per day
Gastrocolic reflex – provoked by distension in the
stomach and the breakdown products of digestion in
the small intestine-increases motility
Chemical Digestion in the large intestine
-occurs exclusively because of bacteria in the lumen
of the colon
-saccharolytic fermentation - bacteria break down
some of the remaining carbohydrates -> discharge of
hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane gases that
create flatus (gas) in the colon
-up to 1500 mL of flatus is produced in the colon per
day
-FLATULENCE – excessive flatus
-SI absorbs about 90 percent of the water you ingest
-LI absorbs the remaining water -> converts the
liquid chyme residue -> semisolid feces (“stool”)
-every 500 mL (17 ounces) of food residue that
enters the cecum each day, about 150 mL (5 ounces)
become feces
Valsalva’s maneuver-increase intra-abdominal
pressure by contracting your diaphragm and
abdominal wall muscles, and closing your glottis
-feces are eliminated through contractions of the
rectal muscles- mass movements force -> colon ->
rectum -> rectal wall stretching -> defecation reflex
PS reflex – mediated by spinal cord-contracts the
sigmoid colon and rectum, relaxes the internal anal
sphincter, and initially contracts the external anal
sphincter
choice to open the sphincter vs temporarily closed
diet, health, and stress determine the frequency of
bowel movements
-liver: to produce bile and export it to the
duodenum
-gallbladder: stores, concentrates, and releases
bile
-pancreas: produces pancreatic juice, which
contains digestive enzymes and bicarbonate ions,
and delivers it to the duodenum
-largest gland in the body -weighing about three
pounds (adult)
-two primary lobes: right lobe, left lobe
-connected to the abdominal wall and diaphragm by
five peritoneal folds referred to as ligaments:
falciform, coronary, (2) lateral , ligamentum teres
hepatis
-falciform lig & ligamentum teres hepatis= remnants
of the umbilical vein
porta hepatis (“gate to the liver”) -where the
hepatic artery and hepatic portal vein enter the liver
hepatic artery-delivers oxygenated blood from the
heart to the liver
hepatic portal vein-delivers partially deoxygenated
blood containing nutrients absorbed from the small
intestine and actually supplies more oxygen to the
liver than do the much smaller hepatic arteries.
-> liver releases nutrients -> blood -> drains into the
central vein-> hepatic vein to the inferior vena cava
-all blood from the alimentary canal passes through
the liver
Liver - most common site for the metastasis of
cancers that originate in the alimentary canal
3 three main components:
hepatocyte-liver’s main cell type, 80 percent of the
liver's volume
Bile canaliculus- in between the grooves in the
cell membrane, accumulate the bile produced by
hepatocytes
hepatic sinusoid - open, porous blood space
formed by fenestrated capillaries from nutrient-rich
hepatic portal veins and oxygen-rich hepatic arteries
Kupffer cells - star-shaped reticuloendothelial cells ;
remove dead red and white blood cells, bacteria, and
other foreign material that enter the sinusoids
portal triad - distinctive arrangement around the
perimeter of hepatic lobules, consisting of three
basic structures: a bile duct, a hepatic artery branch,
and a hepatic portal vein
-a mixture secreted by the liver to accomplish
the emulsification of lipids in the small intestine
-Emulsification - large lipid globules must be broken
down into smaller lipid globule
-Hepatocytes secrete about one liter of bile each
day-yellow-brown or yellow-green alkaline solution
(pH 7.6 to 8.6)
components most critical to emulsification: bile salts
phospholipids- nonpolar (hydrophobic) & polar
(hydrophilic) region
Excreted in the feces but bile salts are recycled back
in to the enterohepatic circulation-bile production
increases when fatty chyme enters the duodenum
and stimulates the secretion of the gut hormone
secretin
Bilirubin- the main bile pigment
-waste product produced when the spleen removes
old or damaged red blood cells from the circulation
-are transported to the liver via the splenic vein of
the hepatic portal system
-excreted in the bile
-accounts for the green color of bile
-transformed by intestinal bacteria -> stercobilin-
brown pigment that gives your stool its characteristic
Secreted in the active form bec they don’t attack the
color
pancreas:

Amylase – digest starch

-soft, oblong, glandular , lies transversely in the
retroperitoneum behind the stomach Lipase – digest fat

-head is nestled into the “c-shaped” curvature of the Nucleic acids – digest nuclease
duodenum with the body extending to the left about
15.2 cm (6 in) and ending as a tapering tail in the
hilum of the spleen -hormones

Exocrine: ACINUS - little grape-like cell clusters ; at -parasympathetic nervous system

the terminal ends of pancreatic ducts
Chyme into the duodenum -> secretin release
-secrete enzyme-rich pancreatic juice into tiny stimulated -> duct cells to release
merging ducts that form two dominant ducts:
bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice.
1.Common Bile Duct -carrying bile from the liver and
gallbladder

2. Accessory duct (duct of Santorini)- runs from

thepancreas directly into the duodenum, 1 inch
above the hepatopancreatic ampulla

islets of Langerhans - small islands scattered

through the sea of exocrine acini

-produce the hormones pancreatic polypeptide,

insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin

-1liter of pancreatic juice per day

-clear; mostly of water, then some salts, sodium

bicarbonate, and several digestive enzymes

-Sodium bicarbonate - responsible for the slight

alkalinity of pancreatic juice (pH 7.1 to 8.2)

- serves to buffer the acidic gastric juice in chyme

-inactivate pepsin from the stomach

Pancreatic enzymes – for digestion of sugars,

proteins, and fats

-produces protein-digesting enzymes in their inactive

forms-> activated in the duodenum

*if produced in an active form -> digest the

pancreas (PANCREATITIS)