The document summarizes the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system. It describes the main organs that make up the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It provides details on the structure and functions of the mouth, including the teeth, tongue, salivary glands, and role in ingestion and initial digestion. The stomach is described as a J-shaped organ that uses acids and enzymes to break down food into an absorbable form.
The document summarizes the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system. It describes the main organs that make up the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It provides details on the structure and functions of the mouth, including the teeth, tongue, salivary glands, and role in ingestion and initial digestion. The stomach is described as a J-shaped organ that uses acids and enzymes to break down food into an absorbable form.
The document summarizes the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system. It describes the main organs that make up the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It provides details on the structure and functions of the mouth, including the teeth, tongue, salivary glands, and role in ingestion and initial digestion. The stomach is described as a J-shaped organ that uses acids and enzymes to break down food into an absorbable form.
RN, RM, BSN&RH, FWACN. LECTURER- SONM BANJUL, THE GAMBIA. INTRODUCTION • The Digestive system is also known as the GASTRO INTESTINAL TRACT or THE ALIMENTARY CANAL. • It is a continuous, coiled, hollow, muscular tube of about 23 to 30 feet (9 meters) long, extending from the mouth and running through the body to the anus. • Generally, the entire G.I.T is composed of 4 common layers, taking from outside in:- (i) SEROSA:- the outer most layer (ii) MUSCLE:- middle layer (iii) SUBMUCOSA:- sub-middle layer (iv) MUCOUS MEMBRANE:- innermost layer. INTRODUCTION
• Around the esophagus, the outer coat is of
fibrous tissue rather than serosa. • The muscle layer consist of two layers:- • The outer longitudinal in nature • The inner circular in nature. • The G.I.T is also surrounded by sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. • The sympathetic branch controls the inhibitory actions while the parasympathetic branch controls the excitatory effects. STRUCTURE OF THE G.I.T • The G.I.T. is composed of the following organs and accessories:- • THE MOUTH • THE PHARYNX • THE ESOPHAGUS • THE STOMACH • THE SMALL INTESTINE • THE LARGE INTESTINE • The Accessory Glands include:- • The Salivary glands • The Liver . The pancreas. • The Gall Bladder & . The Spleen. THE MOUTH • The mouth is the first part of the digestive system also called the oral cavity. GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF THE MOUTH
• Generally, the mouth has 3 digestive
functions. 1. To receive food called ingestion. 2. To prepare food for digestion 3. To begin the digestion of starch STRUCTURE OF THE MOUTH • The mouth is a mucous membrane-lined cavity and can be divided into 3 parts (outer, middle & inner) • The outer section is composed of the LIPS. • The middle section called sub-oral cavity is composed of the TEETH. • The inner section called oral cavity is composed of the TONGUE, SALIVA and SALIVARY GLANDS. THE MOUTH THE LIPS • These are two flaps that are visible outside and they surround the orifice of the mouth. • They are made up of squamous epithelium. • They assist in collecting the food to get into the mouth. • They also assist in speech control. THE LIPS THE MOUTH THE TEETH • These are small bones contained in the sub- oral cavity. • They aid in the chewing of food into smaller particles that can be mixed with the secreted juices. • There are two types of teeth:- • DECIDUOUS TEETH or MILK or BABY TEETH • PERMANENT TEETH. THE MOUTH THE MILK TEETH • These groups of teeth constitute at completion of 20 (10 up and 10 down). • The first 8 to appear through the gums are called INCISORS. • The next to appear are the CANINES. • The last to appear are the MOLARS. • At 2 to 2yrs, 6months of age the baby teeth will complete their development. • However, during the first 2yrs, the permanent teeth will begin to develop within the jaw. • At 6ys, the first permanent tooth appear before the baby teeth fall off. THE MOUTH THE PERMANENT TEETH • As the child grows, the jawbone also grows, making space for additional teeth to grow. • After the 6th year, the molars will appear, the baby incisors will loosen and are replaced by permanent teeth. • Next, the baby Canines are replaced by Permanent Canines. • Finally, the baby molars are replaced by the Bicuspids or Premolars of the permanent teeth. • At 12 yrs, the 2nd permanent molars begin to appear. • At teenage yrs, the 3rd molars called WISDOM TEETH will begin to appear. THE MOUTH • At adult age, there is a complete set of 32 permanent teeth (16 up & 16 down). • The first 8 are incisors (4 up & 4 down). • They are used in biting and mild cutting. • The next 4 are Canines (2 up & 2 down). • They are also used in biting & cutting hard food. • The next 8 are Premolars (4 up & 4 down). • They are used in chewing. • The last 12 are Molars (6 up & 6 down). • They compliment premolars in chewing. THE TEETH STRUCTURE OF THE TOOTH • A Tooth consist of 3 parts:- • A CROWN:- Is the exposed part of the tooth appearing white & visible outside. • THE NECK:- Is the constricted portion that is around the surface of the gums. • THE ROOT:- Is embedded into the jaw. • However, two main parts are usually described. • The Crown contain the ENAMEL which is the hardest substance heavily mineralized with calcium salts. • The outer surface of the root is covered by a substance called CEMENTUM which attaches the tooth to the PERIODONTAL MEMBRANE. STRUCTURE OF THE TOOTH Cont’d….. • This membrane holds the tooth in place in the bony jaw. • Underneath the root is the DENTIN, a bone-like structure that forms the bulk of the tooth. • It surrounds a central PULP CAVITY which contains several structures such as connective tissue, blood vessels & nerve fibers. • The pulp supplies nutrients to the tooth tissue and provides for tooth sensations. THE MOUTH THE TONGUE • The Tongue is a muscular tissue located in the oral cavity. It almost occupies the floor of mouth. • It aids in chewing by rolling the food into a bolus between the teeth. • It also aid in swallowing and is the principal organ of speech control. • On the surface of the tongue, it consist of a number of special organs called TASTE BUDS. • The taste buds determine taste sensations of different nature such as Sweet, Salt, Sour and Bitter. THE MOUTH SWEET TASTES are acutely experienced at the tip of the tongue. SOUR TASTES are most effectively detected by the taste buds located at the sides of the tongue. SALTY TASTES are most acute at the anterior sides of the tongue. BITTER TASTES are detected at the back of the tongue. The nerves for taste are derived from the Facial and Glossopharyngeal cranial nerves (vii & xi). THE TONGUE THE MOUTH THE SALIVARY GLANDS These are accessory organs in the mouth. They manufacture and secret saliva. There are 3 major types of salivary glands found in the mouth. 1. PAROTID GLAND:- This is the largest group and are located below and in front of the ears. 2. THE SUB-MANDIBULAR or SUB-MAXILLARY GLAND:- They are located near the body of the lower jaw. 3. THE SUB-LINGUAL GLANDS:- They are found under the tongue. THE MOUTH THE SALIVA • This is a liquid mixture that contains mainly water, protein, mucus, inorganic salts and salivary amylase secreted by the salivary glands. • It helps in lubricating food and facilitate chewing. • Approximately, 1.5liters of saliva can be secreted by an average adult. THE PHARYNX • The Pharynx is a musculo-membranous tube which is divided into three parts:- a) NASO PHARYNX:- Connects to the nose. b) ORO PHARYNX:- Connects to the mouth C) LARYNGO-PHARYNX:- Connects to the larynx. • The mucus membrane of the pharynx is continuous with that of the nasal cavity, mouth, auditory tube and larynx. THE PHARYNX GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF THE PHARYNX. • It plays a part in swallowing by directing the flow of food. • It secrets mucus that assist in lubricating food to aid in chewing and swallowing. • It provides the right direction for the food from the mouth to the esophagus. THE PROCESS OF SWALLOWING Swallowing is a voluntary act that is regulated by the swallowing center in the medulla oblongata in the CNS. As food is swallowed, the epiglottis moves to cover the tracheal opening to prevent aspiration of food into the lungs. With the swallowing reflex, the smooth muscles in the walls of the esophagus propels the food down to the stomach. As food passes, the lower esophageal sphincter constricts tightly to prevent reflux. THE ESOPHAGUS • The esophagus also called GULLET is a muscular tube located in the mediastinum in the thoracic cavity. • It lies anterior to the spine and posterior to the trachea and heart. • It measures 23 to 25cm (9 – 10inches) long and 2cm in diameter. • It is made up of 4 layers from outside in:- Serosa, Muscularis, Sub-mucosa & Mucosa. • It passes through the diaphragm at an angle called DIAPHRAGMATIC HIATUS. • The esophagus propels food into the stomach. THE STOMACH • The Stomach is a C-shaped distensible pouch situated in the upper abdomen towards the left of the midline. • It lies obliquely in the epigastric, umbilical and left hypochondriac region of the abdomen. • The shape of the stomach and its position varies based on the contents, digestion and muscular walls. • However, the stomach of an average adult has a capacity of 1500mls. • The inlet to the stomach is called esophagastric junction. • This junction is surrounded by a ring sphincter called cardiac sphincter. THE STOMACH • The cardiac sphincter closes up the stomach from the esophagus. • The stomach can be divided into 5 anatomic divisions:- • THE CARDIAC SPHINCTER (entrance) • THE FUNDUS • THE BODY • THE ANTRUM • THE PYLORUS SPHINCTER(outlet) • The stomach is also made up of 3 main layers from outside in:- THE STOMACH i) PERIMETRIUM:- The outer layer of serous epithelium. ii) THE MYOMETRIUM:- Middle layer of circular smooth muscles. iii) ENDOMETRIUM:- Inner layer of oblique smooth epithelium. • The mucus layer of the stomach forms and folds in a rough nature called RUGGEA. • This reggae contains many small glands that secrets. FUNCTIONS OF THE STOMACH • It serve as a recevoir for food and other contents. • In the fundus of the stomach are parietal cells which secrets hydrochloric acid, water & intrinsic factors • The intrinsic factors promotes the absorption of vitamin B12. • The hydrochloric acid helps in the breakdown of food into more absorbable components. • It also helps in the destruction of ingested bacteria. THE STOMACH FUNCTIONS OF THE STOMACH The stomach secrets Pepsin which helps in the breakdown of proteins to polypeptides and amino acids. It secrets streapsin which converts triglycerides to fatty acids, to diglycerides and then to monoglycerides. The stomach helps in propelling food contents into the small intestine. Most digestive activity occur in the pyloric region of the stomach. THE STOMACH THE SMALL INTESTINE • The small intestine is a coiled tube of about 23feet (7m) long and 2.5 to 2.8 cm in diameter. • It extends from the pylorus to the ilio-cecal valve. • This valve controls the exit of food contents into the large intestine and prevents it reflux. • The small intestine is divided into 3 parts:- DUODENUM:- upper part JEJUNUM:- middle part ILEUM:- lower part. • The small intestine connects with the large intestine. • At the junction where they meet forms a tail-like structure called VERMIFORM APPENDIX. THE SMALL INTESTINE • The small intestine is made up of 3 layers:- i) Perimetrium:- outer layer of serous epithelium ii) Myometrium:- middle layer of smooth muscles. iii) Endometrium:- inner layer of thick, vascular and glandular mucosa. • The inner layer is also made up of circular folds that provide a surface for secretion of digestive juices and absorption. THE SMALL INTESTINE FUNCTIONS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE The functional unit of the small intestine is the VILLI. - Villi are small finger-like projections in the mucosa membrane that helps in absorption. - The small intestine contain goblet cells that secret mucus and absorption cells that absorbs digestive foodstuffs. - The small intestine contain Brunner’s Glands in the sub-mucosa of the duodenum that also secets mucus. - It contains the Vagus Nerve that stimulates motility and secretion of juices. THE SMALL INTESTINE FUNCTIONS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE • The small intestine secrets lipase that helps in fat metabolism. • It also secrets the following substances:- • Amylase – helps in carbohydrate digestion • Peptidase – help in protein digestion • Lactase - converts Lactose to Glucose and Fructose. • Sucrase – converts Glucose to Galactose • Maltase – converts Maltose to Glucose. • The small intestine also secrets mucus, hormones and neuro-regulators. THE SMALL INTESTINE FUNCTIONS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE • The mucus secreted protects the mucosal lining from injury by the HCl. • The hormones and neuro-regulators secreted control the secretion the glands. • The small intestine absorbs most of the end products of digestion across the walls to the circulation for use by the cells. • During peristalsis movements, 2 types of contractions occur regularly in the S/intestine. i) SEGMANTETION CONTRACTION:- Mixing waves of back and forth. ii) INTESTINAL PERISTALSIS:- Contents propelled towards the large intestine. SMALL INTESTINE THE LARGE INTESTINE The Large intestine is a hollow muscular tube of about 1.5m to 2m long and about 5cm in diameter. It is divided into 4 parts;- THE CECUM with the appendix. THE COLON which is also sub-divided into 4 parts. - Ascending colon on the right. - Transverse Colon on across the abd. - Descending colon on the left. - Sigmoid colon on the bottom. THE RECTUM THE ANUS – Terminal portion. THE LARGE INTESTINE FUNCTIONS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE • Helps in the absorption of water and electrolytes. • Serves as a recevoir for the fecal mass until defecation. • Secrets mucus which acts as lubricant to prevent the anus from bruising during defecation. THE VERMIFORM APPENDIX • The appendix is a small, finger-like structure that hangs out of the large intestine. • It is actually part of the large intestine. • It appears like a blind pouch and is attached to the cecum of the ascending colon of the large intestine. • It is located in the right iliac fossa just below the ilio-cecal valve. • It measures about 10cm (4inches) long. THE VERMIFORM APPENDIX FUNCTIONS OF THE APPENDIX • The appendix has no known function. • It is actually part of the large intestine. • It do fill with food contents and empties regularly into the cecum. • The lumen of the appendix is very small and is therefore susceptible to empty its contents inefficiently. • The makes it prone to obstruction and eventually infection called APPENDICITIS. THE LARGE INTESTINE THE ACCESSORY ORGANS OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM THE LIVER • The Liver is the largest gland in the body and weighs about 1.5kg in an average adult. • It is situated in the upper part of the abdominal cavity occupying a greater part of the right hypochondriac region, part of the epigastric region and extending into the left hypochondriac region. • The upper anterior surface of the liver is smooth and curved to fit the under surface of the diaphragm. • Its posterior surface is irregular. THE ACCESSORY ORGANS OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM THE LIVER Cont’d.. • The Liver is enclosed in a thin capsule and incompletely covered by a layer of peritoneum. • Posteriorly, the liver is divided into two by the falciform ligament, which connects it to the diaphragm. ORGANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LIVER • SUPERIORLY - is the diaphragm • ANTERIORLY – is the abdominal wall • INFERIORLY – the stomach, bile ducts, duodenum, hepatic flexure of the colon, right kidney and adrenals. • POSTERIORLY – esophagus, inferior vena cava, aorta, gall bladder, vertebral column & diaphragm. THE LIVER DIVISIONS OF THE LIVER • The liver is said to have 4 lobes. • When viewed interiorly, only two lobes can be seen (right & left lobe). • Posteriorly, and additional two lobes can be seen called Caudate & Quadrate. BLOOD SUPPLY TO THE LIVER • The liver receives blood from two sources. • Portal Veins (70%) • Hepatic artery (30%) THE LIVER BLOOD SUPPLY • The Hepatic artery carries well-oxygenated blood from the aorta. • The Portal vein carry poorly oxygenated blood but nutrient-riched blood from the gastro-intestinal tract (except from the inferior part of the anal canal) to the sinusoids of the liver. VENOUS RETURN:- Venous blood drains from the liver sinusoids into the central veins which join with the veins from other lobes until it eventually become hepatic vein, which leaves the liver and empty blood into the inferior vena cava. THE LIVER NERVE SUPPLY:- The liver receives its nerve supply from the hepatic nerve plexus (vagus nerve) LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE:- From the thoracic lymph nodes. FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER • The liver performs a wide range of functions which includes the following:- METABOLISM & STORAGE OF GLUCOSE in the form of Glycogen. • When blood sugar level falls below normal, the liver cells converts glycogen to glucose and release it into the bloodstream, which serve to restore the normal concentration of blood sugar. FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER • The liver assist in the formation of blood plasma proteins such as albumin, globulin and clotting factor of prothrombin. • The liver synthesizes urea which is a waste product of protein metabolism. This urea is released into the blood and transported to the kidneys for elimination. • It modifies fats so that they can be used more efficiently by the cells all over the body. • The liver is the main manufacturer of bile. • It assist in the destruction of old RBCs and the pigments released from the cells in both liver & the spleen is eliminated in the bile. THE LIVER FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER • The liver detoxifies(remove poisonous properties) of harmful substances such as alcohol and certain drugs. • It stores some fat-soluble vitamins such as Vit. A, D, E and K which are necessary eye sight, ultra violet rays, skin texture and blood clotting respectively. • The liver also stores some water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin B2, B6, B12 and folic acid for neuralgic pains & HB level. • Storage of iron, copper and zinc. (Minerals) THE PANCREAS • The pancreas is a pale grey gland composed of many small sacs. • It is similar in structure to the salivary glands. • The liver weighs about 60-100gms and is about 12 – 15cm long. • It extends from the duodenum to the spleen. • It is situated in the epigastrium towards the left hypochondric region of the abdominal cavity. • The pancreas consist of 3 parts:- i) THE HEAD:- This forms the largest part. It is circled in the greater curvature of the duodenum and the right of abdominal cavity. THE PANCEAS ii) THE BODY:- lies behind the stomach and some parts of the 1st lumbar vertebra. iii) THE TAIL:- This reaches to the spleen and lies in front of the left kidney. STRUCTURE OF THE PANCREAS • The pancreas consist of a large number of lobules of small sacs called ALVEOLI. • The walls of the alveoli consist of secretory cells which secret pancreatic juice. • Each lobule drains into a tiny duct and these unite to form larger and larger ducts called Pancreatic Ducts. • The pancreatic duct to the whole length of the gland and opens into the duodenum at mid-point. • Just before entering the duodenum, the pancreatic ducts join the bile duct. • The pancreatic juice is strongly alkaline and consist mainly of water, mineral salts, enzymes, amylase, trypsinogen & lipase THE PANCREATIC CELLS • The Pancreatic cells are called Islets of Langerhans. • These cells are found in clusters irregularly distributed throughout the pancreas. • There are no ducts from these clusters of islet cells. • Their secretions passes directly into the pancreatic veins and circulates throughout the body. • There are three main types of cells in the pancreatic islets. These are:- THE PANCREATIC CELLS i) ALPHA CELLS:- Contributes about 20% of pancreatic secretions. It secrets GLUCAGON which increases blood glucose level. ii) BETA CELLS:- Contributes about 70% of pancreatic secretions. It secrets INSULIN which reduces blood sugar level. iii) DELTA CELLS:- Contributes about 5% of pancreatic secretions. It secrets SOMATOSTATIN which inhibits or regulates the production of insulin and glycogen. NORMAL FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL (FBS) = 2.5 – 7.0mm/mol. IMPORTANCE OF PANCREATIC HORMONES
1. THE HORMONE GLUCAGON
• The effects of Glucagon increases blood glucose levels by stimulating the following:- • Conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver and skeletal muscles. • Glycogenesis( production of glucose from aminoacids) IMPORTANCE OF PANCREATIC HORMONES 2. THE HORMONE INSULIN • Insulin participates in maintaining homeostatis of blood glucose and promotes other metabolic activities. • It mainly targets the liver, adipose tissue, muscles and satiety center in the hypothalamus of the brain. • When glucose is in excess of immediate body needs, insulin promotes storage and reduces high glucose level by:- • Acting on cell membranes and stimulate uptake and utilization of glucose by muscles and connective tissue. IMPORTANCE OF PANCREATIC HORMONES INSULIN Cont’d.. • Increase the conversion of glucose to glycogen especially in the liver and skeletal muscles. • Accelerate uptake of amino acids by cells and synthesis of proteins. • Promotes synthesis of fatty acids and storage of fats in adipose tissue. • Prevent breakdown of protein and fat and glucogenesis (formation of new sugars from proteins). • Secretion of insulin is stimulated by increase glucose and amino acids and G.I.T. hormones such as gastrin, secretin. Etc. IMPORTANCE OF PANCREATIC HORMONES THE HORMONE SOMATOSTATIN • This hormone is produced by the hypothalamus. • It is secreted mainly when there is high level of insulin and glycogen. • It inhibits their secretion to ensure a balance between Insulin & Glycogen. BLOOD SUPPLY TO THE PANCREAS • The blood supply to the pancreas is from the spleenic and mesenteric arteries and venous return is from the corresponding veins. NERVE SUPPLY:- From the sympathetic & parasympathetic nerves. THE PANCREAS GALL BLADDER • The gall bladder is a small thin-walled, green, muscular sac on the inferior surface of the liver. • It serves as a strong pouch for bile that is manufactured and secreted by the liver. • When food digestion is not occurring, bile flows back along the hepatic ducts and then up through the cystic ducts that is connected with the gall bladder where it is stored. • When bile is stored too long in the gall bladder, the cholesterol it contains may crystallize, forming gallstones. • The gall bladder is also susceptible to disease called CHOLELITHIASIS. GALL BLADDER • Blockage of the common bile duct, prevents bile from entering the small intestine, and it begins to back up into the liver. • This exerts pressure on the liver cells, and bile salts and bile begin to enter the blood stream causing yellow discoloration on the body called Jaundice. THE SPLEEN • The Spleen is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. FUNCTIONS OF THE SPLEEN • The functions of the spleen can be classified into 4 general groups:- 1. HEMATOPOIETIC FUNCTION:- This involves the production of RBCs during fetal development. 2. FILTRATION FUNCTION:- The spleen provides an ideal filter mechanism for old and defaecative RBCs for the circulation by mononuclear & phagocytic system. • The spleen also filters iron for reuse by catabolizing HB released by hemolysis. SPLEEN FUNCTION 3. IMMUNE FUNCTION:- The spleen contains rich supply of lymphocytes and monocytes. 4. STORAGE FUNCTION:- Approximately, 305 of platelets mass are stored in the spleen. THE PHYSIOLOGY OF DIGESTION & ABSORPTION • DIGESTION is the physical and chemical breakdown of food into absorbable substances. • The process of digestion begins in the mouth where food is chewed, mechanically broken down and mixed with saliva. • The saliva lubricates and starts starch digestion. • Salivation is stimulated by chewing movements and the sight, smell or taste of food. • The food is swallowed and passes into the esophagus where peristaltic waves propels it to the stomach. • In the stomach, the digestion of proteins begins with minimal digestion of starches and fats. THE PHYSIOLOGY OF DIGESTION & ABSORPTION • The food is then mixed with gastric juice secretions where they undergo nervous and hormonal control. • Digestion is completed in the small intestine where carbohydrates are hydrolyzed to monosaccharides; fats to glycogen and fatty acids; and proteins to amino acids. • These hormones stimulate the pancreas and duodenum to secret into the contents. • These actions allow bile to flow into the duodenum for hydrolysis of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. THE PHYSIOLOGY OF DIGESTION & ABSORPTION • ABSORPTION is the transfer of the end products of digestion across the intestinal wall to the circulation for use by the cells. • Most of the absorption takes place in the small intestine with the aid of it’s villi. REFERENCE • Marieb E.N. (2006)- Essentials of Anatomy & physiology, 8th edition, New York, USA. THE END