Digestive System Overview

Digestive System Overview

After viewing this module’s content (including course readings, live classroom, lab, and other supporting material), answer each of the following questions. All of your answers should be written in your own words, using full sentences, correct terminology, and proper spelling and grammar.

1. Explain the anatomical concepts associated with the digestive system. Summarize this module’s key points on this topic in 5-6 sentences.
2. Explain the physiological concepts associated with the digestive system. Summarize this module’s key points on this topic in 5-6 sentences.
3. Explain a pathology associated with the digestive system. Summarize this module’s key points on this topic in 5-6 sentences.
4. Which topic(s) within this module did you struggle to understand and why?

Submission Requirements

1. In your submission, include the questions with their corresponding answers.
2. Submit your work in a Microsoft Word document or as a .pdf.

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APA

Digestive System Overview

1. Anatomical Concepts of the Digestive System

The digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and accessory organs that aid in food breakdown, absorption, and waste elimination. The GI tract includes the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. Each segment has specialized structures such as the rugae in the stomach for expansion and villi in the small intestine for nutrient absorption. Accessory organs, including the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, produce digestive enzymes and bile to facilitate digestion. The liver detoxifies blood and processes nutrients, while the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid. The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes while housing gut microbiota that aid in digestion.

2. Physiological Concepts of the Digestive System

Digestion involves mechanical and chemical processes that break down food into absorbable molecules. Mechanical digestion begins in the oral cavity with mastication (chewing) and continues with peristalsis, the muscular contractions that propel food through the GI tract. Chemical digestion occurs via…