Digestion FunctionsDigestion FunctionsTaelar Shelton, MS, ATC, AT/L

MouthMouthFood is acted upon physically and

chemicallyPapillae contain taste buds and

are located on the tongue 32 teeth in mouthTongue positions food toward

basic of mouth to swallow

Salivary GlandsSalivary GlandsParotid- secreation of salivaSublingual- amylase is a digestive

enzyme found in salivaSubmandibular- provides digestive

enzyme (amylase) to moisten food to make it easier to swallow

Enzymes help begin the digestion of carbohydrates

PharynxPharynxMouth to esophagus

TracheaTracheaRespiratory system functions

EsophagusEsophagusAbout 10-12 inches longPeristalsis Heartburn in the burning

sensation due to irritation caused by stomach aced backing up into the esophagus

Cardiac SphincterCardiac SphincterAllows food to enter the stomachPrevent stomach contents from

backing up into esophagus

StomachStomachTemporary storage of food Mix and churns foodSecretes gastric juices for

digestion (mucus, hydrochloric acid, enzymes)

The major role of the stomach is not digestion

Gastric ulcers can be caused by HCL irritation of the stomach lining

Pyloric SphincterPyloric SphincterAllows small amounts of food to

intermittantly enter the duodenum

“ski lift operator”

DuodenumDuodenumCan develop ulcersLength of all 3 portions of small

intestines is about 20 feetCompletes charbohydrate and

protein digestion Villi help increase surface area

Jejunum and IliumJejunum and IliumVilli helps absorb products of

digestionCompletes digestion of protein,

fats and carbohydrates Absorbs the end products of

digestion into blood stream Carbohydrates – glucoseFats – fatty acid – glycerolProteins – ammino acids

Iliocecal SphincterIliocecal SphincterRegulates the passing of material

from the small intestine to large intestine

CecumCecumCollects waste products from

digestive process

AppendixAppendixCan become inlammed May need to be surgically

removed

ColonColonAscending Colon- to absorb

excess water from waste materialTransverse Colon- peristalsisDescending Colon- about 5-6 feet Sigmoid Colon- cleans large

intestine, prevents excess absorbtion of water

RectumRectumCollects and eliminates waste

Gall BladderGall BladderCollects and secretes bile Contracts to release bile into

duodenum

LiverLiverProduces bile- helps digest fatsConverts glucose into glycogen Acts on chyme as it passes

through the duodenum

PancreasPancreasSecreates pancreatic juices to act

on carbs, fats and proteins