Chapter 12: The Digestive System

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Chapter 12: The Digestive System


Chapter ObjectivesChapter Objectives

Function of the digestive system.

Digestive tract, functions of each part.

Accessory organs and their role in digestion.

Roots pertaining to the digestive system.

Major disorders of the digestive system.

Medical terms used in reference to the digestive system.

Abbreviations used in referring to the gastrointestinal system.


Key TermNormal Structure and Function

Key TermNormal Structure and Function

anus The distal opening of the digestive tract (root: an/o)

appendix An appendage; usually means the narrow tube of lymphatic tissue attached to the cecum, the vermiform (wormlike) appendix

bile The fluid secreted by the liver that emulsified fats and aids in their absorption (roots: chol/e, bili)

cecum A blind pouch at the beginning of the large intestine (root: cec/o)

colon The major portion of the large intestine; extends from the cecum to the rectum and is formed by ascending, transverse, and descending portions (root: col/o, colon/o)

common bile duct The duct that carries bile into the duodenum; formed by the union of the cystic duct and the common hepatic duct (root: choledoch/o)

duodenum The first portion of the small intestine (root: duoden/o)

enzyme An organic catalyst; speeds the rate of chemical reactions


Key TermsNormal Structure and Function (cont’d)


esophagus The muscular tube that carries food from the pharynx to the stomach.

feces The waste material eliminated from the intestine (adjective: fecal); stool

gallbladder A sac on the undersurface of the liver that stores bile (root: cholecyst/o)

hepatic portal system

A special pathway of the circulation that brings blood directly from the abdominal organs to the liver for processing (also called simply the portal system). The vessel that enters the liver is the hepatic portal vein (portal vein).

ileum The terminal portion of the small intestine (root: ile/o)

intestine The portion of the digestive tract between the stomach and the anus. It consists of the small intestine and large intestine. It functions in digestion, absorption, and elimination of waste (root: enter/o). The bowel (BOW-el)




jejunum The middle portion of the small intestine (root: jejun/o)

lacteal A lymphatic capillary in a villus of the small intestine. Lacteals absorb digested fats into the lymph

large intestine The terminal portion of the digestive tract, consisting of the cecum, colon, rectum, and anus. It stores and eliminates undigested waste material (feces)

liver The large gland in the upper right part of the abdomen. In addition to many other functions, it secretes bile needed for digestion and absorption of fats (root: hepat/o)

lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Muscle tissue at the distal end of the esophagus (gastroesophageal junction) that prevents stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus. Also called the cardiac sphincter

mastication Chewing

mouth The oral cavity; contains the tongue and teeth. Used to take in and chew food, mix it with saliva, and move it toward the throat to be swallowed




palate The roof of the mouth; the partition between the mouth and nasal cavity; consists of an anterior portion formed by bone, the hard palate, and a posterior portion formed of tissue, the soft palate (root: palat/o)

pancreas A large, elongated gland behind the stomach. It produces hormones that regulate sugar metabolism and also produces digestive enzymes (root: pancreat/o)

peristalsis Wavelike contractions of an organ's walls; moves material through an organ or duct

pharynx The throat; a common passageway for food entering the esophagus and air entering the larynx (root: pharyng/o)

pylorus The stomach's distal opening into the duodenum. The opening is controlled by a ring of muscle, the pyloric sphincter (root: pylor/o)

rectum The distal portion of the large intestine. It stores and eliminates undigested waste (root: rect/o, proct/o)




saliva The clear secretion released into the mouth that moistens food and contains a starch-digesting enzyme (root: sial/o). Saliva is produced by three pairs of glands: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands

sigmoid colon Distal S-shaped portion of the large intestine located between the descending colon and the rectum

small intestine The portion of the intestine between the stomach and the large intestine; comprised of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Accessory organs secrete into the small intestine, and almost all digestion and absorption occur there

stomach A muscular saclike organ below the diaphragm that stores food and secretes juices that digest proteins (root: gastr/o)

uvula The fleshy mass that hangs from the soft palate; aids in speech production (literally “little grape”) (root: uvul/o)

villi Tiny projections in the lining of the small intestine that absorb digested foods into the circulation (singular: villus)


Key TermsDisordersKey TermsDisorders

appendicitis Inflammation of the appendix

ascites Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity; a form of edema. May be caused by heart disease, lymphatic or venous obstruction, cirrhosis, or changes in plasma composition.

biliary colic Acute abdominal pain caused by gallstones in the bile ducts

bilirubin A pigment released in the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells; mainly excreted by the liver in bile

caries Tooth decay

celiac disease Inability to absorb foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat and some other grains; caused by an excess immune response to gluten

cholecystitis Inflammation of the gallbladder

cholelithiasis The condition of having stones in the gallbladder; also used to refer to stones in the common bile duct


Key TermsDisorders (cont’d)


cirrhosis Chronic liver disease with degeneration of liver tissue

Crohn disease A chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract usually involving the ileum and colon

diarrhea The frequent passage of watery bowel movements

diverticulitis Inflammation of diverticula (small pouches) in the wall of the digestive tract, especially in the colon

diverticulosis The presence of diverticula, especially in the colon

dysphagia Difficulty in swallowing

emesis Vomiting

fistula An abnormal passageway between two organs or from an organ to the body surface, such as between the rectum and anus (anorectal fistula)




gastroenteritis Inflammation of the stomach and intestine

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Condition caused by reflux of gastric juices into the esophagus resulting in heartburn, regurgitation, inflammation, and possible damage to the esophagus; caused by weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

heartburn A warm or burning sensation felt behind the sternum and radiating upward. Commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux. Medical name is pyrosis (pyr/o means “heat”)

hemorrhoids Varicose veins in the rectum associated with pain, bleeding, and sometimes prolapse of the rectum

hepatitis Inflammation of the liver; commonly caused by a viral infection

hepatomegaly Enlargement of the liver

hiatal hernia A protrusion of the stomach through the opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes




icterus Jaundice

ileus Intestinal obstruction. May be caused by lack of peristalsis (adynamic, paralytic ileus) or by contraction (dynamic ileus). Intestinal matter and gas may be relieved by insertion of a drainage tube

intussusception Slipping of one part of the intestine into another part below it. Occurs mainly in male infants in the ileocecal region). May be fatal if untreated for more than 1 day

jaundice A yellowish color of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eye caused by bile pigments in the blood (from French jaune meaning “yellow”). The main pigment is bilirubin, a byproduct of erythrocyte destruction

leukoplakia White patches on mucous membranes, as on the tongue or cheeks, often resulting from smoking or other irritants; may be precancerous

nausea An unpleasant sensation in the upper abdomen that often precedes vomiting. Typically occurs in digestive upset, motion sickness, and sometimes early pregnancy




occult blood Blood present in such small amounts that it can be detected only microscopically or chemically; in the feces, a sign of intestinal bleeding (occult means “hidden”)

pancreatitis Inflammation of the pancreas

peptic ulcer A lesion in the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum caused by the action of gastric juice

peritonitis Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs. May result from perforation of an ulcer, rupture of the appendix, or infection of the reproductive tract, among other causes.

polyp A tumor that grows on a stalk and bleeds easily




portal hypertension An abnormal pressure increase in the hepatic portal system. May be caused by cirrhosis, infection, thrombosis, or tumors

pyloric stenosis Narrowing of the opening between the stomach and the duodenum; pylorostenosis

regurgitation A backward flowing, such as the backflow of undigested food

splenomegaly Enlargement of the spleen

ulcerative colitis Chronic ulceration of the rectum and colon; the cause is unknown, but may involve autoimmunity

volvulus Twisting of the intestine resulting in obstruction. Usually involves the sigmoid colon and occurs most often in children and in the elderly. May be caused by congenital malformation, a foreign body, or adhesion. Failure to treat immediately may result in death


Key TermsDiagnosis and Treatment

Key TermsDiagnosis and Treatment

anastomosis A passage or communication between two vessels or organs. May be normal or pathologic, or may be created surgically

barium study Use of barium sulfate as a liquid contrast medium for fluoroscopic or radiographic study of the digestive tract. Can show obstruction, tumors, ulcers, hiatal hernia, and motility disorders, among other things

cholecystectomy Surgical removal of the gallbladder

Dukes classification A system for staging colorectal cancer based on degree of penetration of the bowel wall and lymph node involvement; severity is graded from A to C

endoscopy Use of a fiberoptic endoscope for direct visual examination. GI studies include esophagogastroduodenoscopy, proctosigmoidoscopy (rectum and distal colon), and colonoscopy (all regions of the colon)


Key TermsDiagnosis and Treatment (cont’d)

Key TermsDiagnosis and Treatment (cont’d)

ERCP Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; a technique for viewing the pancreatic and bile ducts and for performing certain techniques to relieve obstructions. Contrast medium is injected into the biliary system from the duodenum and radiographs are taken

ostomy An opening into the body; generally refers to an opening created for elimination of body waste. Also refers to the operation done to create such an opening (see stoma).

stoma A surgically created opening to the body surface or between two organs (literally “mouth”)


Supplementary termsNormal Structure and Function

Supplementary termsNormal Structure and Function

bolus A mass, such as the rounded mass of food that is swallowed

cardia The part of the stomach near the esophagus, named for its closeness to the heart

chyme The semiliquid partially digested food that moves from the stomach into the small intestine

defecation The evacuation of feces from the rectum

deglutition Swallowing

duodenal bulb The part of the duodenum near the pylorus; the first bend (flexure) of the duodenum

duodenal papilla The raised area where the common bile duct and pancreatic duct enter the duodenum; papilla of Vater (FA-ter)

greater omentum A fold of the peritoneum that extends from the stomach over the abdominal organs

hepatic flexure The right bend of the colon, forming the junction between the ascending colon and the transverse colon


Supplementary TermsNormal Structure and Function (cont’d)

Supplementary TermsNormal Structure and Function (cont’d)

ileocecal valve A valvelike structure between the ileum of the small intestine and the cecum of the large intestine

mesentery The portion of the peritoneum that folds over and supports the intestine

mesocolon The portion of the peritoneum that folds over and supports the colon

papilla of Vater See duodenal papilla

peritoneum The serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and supports the abdominal organs

rugae The large folds in the lining of the stomach seen when the stomach is empty

sphincter of Oddi The ring of muscle at the opening of the common bile duct into the duodenum

splenic flexure The left bend of the colon, forming the junction between the transverse colon and the descending colon


Supplementary TermsDisorders

Supplementary TermsDisorders

achalasia Failure of a smooth muscle to relax, especially the lower esophageal sphincter, so that food is retained in the esophagus

achlorhydria Lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach; opposite is hyperchlorhydria

anorexia Loss of appetite. Anorexia nervosa is a psychologically induced refusal or inability to eat (adjectives: anorectic, anorexic)

aphagia Refusal or inability to eat; inability to swallow or difficulty in swallowing

aphthous ulcer An ulcer in a mucous membrane, as in the mouth

Barrett syndrome Lower esophageal ulcer resulting from chronic esophagitis, often with constriction caused by mucosal changes; may be premalignant. Also called Barrett esophagus

bruxism Clenching and grinding of the teeth, usually during sleep

bulimia Excessive, insatiable appetite. A disorder characterized by overeating followed by induced vomiting, diarrhea, or fasting


Supplementary TermsDisorders (cont’d)


cachexia Profound ill health, malnutrition, and wasting

cheilosis Cracking at the corners of the mouth, often caused by B vitamin deficiency (root cheil/o means “lip”)

cholestasis Stoppage of bile flow

constipation Infrequency or difficulty in defecation and the passage of hard, dry feces

dyspepsia Poor or painful digestion

eructation Belching

familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

A heredity condition in which multiple polyps form in the colon and rectum, predisposing to colorectal cancer

flatulence Condition of having gas or air in the GI tract




flatus Gas or air in the gastrointestinal tract; gas or air expelled through the anus

hematemesis Vomiting of blood

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

A chronic stress-related disease characterized by diarrhea, constipation, and pain associated with rhythmic contractions of the intestine. Mucous colitis; spastic colon.

megacolon An extremely dilated colon. Usually congenital but may occur in acute ulcerative colitis.

melena Black tarry feces resulting from blood in the intestines. Common in newborns. May also be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding.

obstipation Extreme constipation

pernicious anemia A form of anemia caused by the stomach’s failure to secrete intrinsic factor, a substance needed for the absorption of vitamin B12




pilonidal cyst A dermal cyst in the sacral region, usually at the top of the cleft between the buttocks. May become infected and begin to drain.

thrush Fungal infection of the mouth and/or throat caused by Candida; appears as mucosal white patches or ulcers

Vincent disease Severe gingivitis with necrosis associated with the bacterium Treponema vincentii; necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis; trench mouth


Supplementary TermsDiagnosis and Treatment

Supplementary TermsDiagnosis and Treatment

appendectomy Surgical removal of the appendix

bariatrics The branch of medicine concerned with prevention and control of obesity and associated diseases (from Greek baros, meaning “weight”)

Billroth operations Gastrectomy with anastomosis of the stomach to the duodenum (Billroth I) or to the jejunum (Billroth II)

gastric bypass surgery

Division of the stomach and anastomosis of its upper part to the small intestine (jejunum) to reduce nutrient absorption; used to treat morbid obesity. Other surgical methods are used for this purpose, including partition of the stomach with rows of staples (gastric stapling)

gavage Process of feeding through a nasogastric tube into the stomach

lavage Washing out of a cavity; irrigation

manometry Measurement of pressure; pertaining to the GI tract, measurement of pressure in the portal system as a sign of obstruction


Supplementary TermsDiagnosis and Treatment (cont’d)

Supplementary TermsDiagnosis and Treatment (cont’d)

Murphy sign Inability to take a deep breath when fingers are pressed firmly below the right arch of the ribs (below the liver). Signifies gallbladder disease.

nasogastric (NG) tube

Tube that is passed through the nose into the stomach. May be used for emptying the stomach, administering medication, giving liquids, or sampling stomach contents.

parenteral hyperalimentation

Complete intravenous feeding for one who cannot take in food. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube

Tube inserted into the stomach for long-term feeding

vagotomy Interruption of impulses from the vagus nerve to reduce stomach secretions in the treatment of gastric ulcer. Originally done surgically but may also be done with drugs.


Supplementary TermsDrugs

Supplementary TermsDrugs

antacid Agent that counteracts acidity, usually gastric acidity

antidiarrheal Treats or prevents diarrhea by reducing intestinal motility or absorbing irritants and soothing the intestinal lining

antiemetic Agent that relieves or prevents nausea and vomiting

antiflatulent Agent that prevents or relieves flatulence

antispasmodic Agent that relieves spasm, usually of smooth muscle

emetic An agent that causes vomiting


Supplementary TermsDrugs (cont’d)

Supplementary TermsDrugs (cont’d)

histamine H2 antagonist Drug that decreases secretion of stomach acid by interfering with the action of histamine at H2 receptors. Used to treat ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems. H2-receptor-blocking agent

laxative Promotes elimination from the large intestine. Types include stimulants, substances that retain water (hyperosmotics), stool softeners, and bulk-forming agents

proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)

Agent that inhibits secretion of stomach acid by blocking the transport of hydrogen ions (protons) into the stomach.


AbbreviationsAbbreviationsBE Barium enema (for radiographic study of the colon)

BM Bowel movement

CBD Common bile duct

ERCP Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

FAP Familial adenomatous polyposis

GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease

GI Gastrointestinal

HAV Hepatitis A virus

HBV Hepatitis B virus

HCV Hepatitis C virus

HDV Hepatitis D virus


Abbreviations (cont’d)Abbreviations (cont’d)

HEV Hepatitis E virus

HCl Hydrochloric acid

IBD Inflammatory bowel disease

IBS Irritable bowel syndrome

LES Lower esophageal sphincter

NG Nasogastric (tube)

N & V Nausea and vomiting

N/V/D Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

PONV Postoperative nausea and vomiting

PPI Proton pump inhibitor

TPN Total parenteral nutrition

UGI Upper gastrointestinal (radiograph series)


DigestionDigestion

• Prepares food for cellular intake

– Nutrients must be small enough to be absorbed

– Nutrients broken down by mechanical and chemical means

• Occurs in digestive tract

• Food moved by peristalsis


Digestive SystemDigestive System


The Mouth to the StomachThe Mouth to the Stomach

• Digestion begins in mouth

– Mastication breaks up food

– Tongue, lips, cheek, and palate break up food and mix in saliva

– Moistened food passed:

• Into pharynx → through esophagus →into stomach

• Churning of stomach further breaks down food by:

– Mixing with enzyme pepsin and HCl


The MouthThe Mouth


Roots for the MouthRoots for the Mouth

Root Meaning Example Definition of Example

bucc/o cheek buccoversion turning toward the cheek

dent/o, dent/i tooth, teeth edentulous without teeth

odont/o tooth, teeth periodontics dental specialty that deals with the study and treatment of the tissues around the teeth

gingiv/o gum (gingiva) gingivectomy excision of gum tissue

gloss/o tongue glossoplegia paralysis (-plegia) of the tongue

lingu/o tongue orolingual pertaining to the mouth and tongue


Roots for the Mouth (cont’d)Roots for the Mouth (cont’d)


gnath/o jaw prognathous having a projecting jaw

labi/o lip labium lip or liplike structure

or/o mouth circumoral around the mouth

stoma, stomat/o

mouth xerostomia dryness (xero-) of the mouth

palat/o palate palatine pertaining to the palate (also palatal)

sial/o saliva, salivary gland, salivary duct

sialogram radiograph of the salivary glands and ducts

uvul/o uvula uvulotome instrument (-tome) for incising the uvula


Roots for the Digestive Tract(Except for the Mouth)



esophag/o esophagus esophageal* pertaining to the esophagus

gastr/o stomach gastroparesis partial paralysis (paresis) of the stomach

pylor/o pylorus pyloroplasty plastic repair of the pylorus

enter/o intestine dysentery infectious disease of the intestine

duoden/o duodenum duodenostomy surgical creation of an opening into the duodenum

* Note addition of e before –al.





jejun/o jejunum jejunectomy excision of the jejunum

ile/o ileum ileitis inflammation of the ileum

cec/o cecum cecoptosis downward displacement of the cecum

col/o, colon/o

colon coloclysis irrigation (-clysis) of the colon

sigmoid/o sigmoid colon

sigmoidoscope an endoscope for examining the sigmoid colon

rect/o rectum rectocele hernia of the rectum

proct/o rectum proctopexy surgical fixation of the rectum

an/o anus perianal around the anus


The Small IntestineThe Small Intestine

• Partially digested food passes through pylorus into duodenum

• Digestion completed after passing through other parts of small intestine (jejunum and ileum)

• Digested nutrients absorbed into circulation– Aided by villi


The Large IntestineThe Large Intestine

• Undigested food, water, digestive juices

• Begins with cecum

• Colon twists and turns:

– Ascending colon

– Transverse colon

– Descending colon

• Water reabsorbed, feces formed

• Waste material passes into sigmoid colon

• Waste stored in rectum; eliminated through anus


Accessory OrgansAccessory Organs

• Salivary glands

– Secretes enzyme that begins digestion of starch

• Liver

– Secretes bile to break down fats

• Gallbladder

– Bile stored here until needed

• Pancreas

– Produces mixture of digestive enzymes


Accessory OrgansAccessory Organs


Roots for the Accessory OrgansRoots for the Accessory Organs


hepat/o liver hepatocyte a liver cell

bili bile biliary pertaining to the bile or bile ducts

chol/e, chol/o bile, gall cholestasis stoppage of bile flow

cholecyst/o gallbladder cholecystogram radiograph of the gallbladder

cholangi/o bile duct cholangioma cancer of the bile ducts

choledoch/o common bile duct

choledochal pertaining to the common bile duct

pancreat/o pancreas pancreatotropic acting on the pancreas


Clinical Aspects of the Digestive SystemClinical Aspects of the Digestive System• Infection

– Can be caused by variety of organisms

• Ulcers

– Lesion of skin or mucous membrane

– Marked by inflammation or tissue damage

– Can be diagnosed by:

• Endoscopy

• Barium study (Radiography with contrast medium)


CancerCancer

• Colon and rectum most likely affected area

• Risk factors:

– Diet low in fiber, high in fat

– Heredity

– Chronic inflammation of colon (colitis)

• Polyps often become cancerous

• Symptom: bleeding into intestine


Cancer (cont’d)Cancer (cont’d)

• Internal observations performed with endoscopes

• Treatment may require surgical removal of portion of GI tract

– May create a stoma for waste elimination

– Surgery is called –ostomy, with root named for involved organ (e.g. colostomy)


ObstructionsObstructions

• Hernia

– Protrusion of organ through abnormal opening

• Pyloric stenosis

– Opening between stomach and small intestine too narrow

• Intussusception

– Slipping of part of intestine into part below


Obstructions (cont’d)Obstructions (cont’d)

• Volvulus

– Intestinal twisting

• Ileus

– Intestinal obstruction caused by lack of peristalsis

• Hemorrhoids

– Varicose veins in the rectum


Gastroesophageal Reflux DiseaseGastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• Reflux of gastric juices caused by weakness at gastroesophageal junction

• Heartburn likely to occur after meals, when lying down, with hiatal hernia, and pregnancy

• Treatment:

– Weight loss

– Elevate head

– Avoidance of irritating foods

– Drugs

– Surgery


Inflammatory Intestinal DiseaseInflammatory Intestinal Disease

• Crohn disease

– Chronic inflammation of intestinal wall segments, usually ileum

– May causes, pain, diarrhea, abscess, formation of fistula

• Ulcerative colitis

– Continuous inflammation of colon lining, usually rectum


Inflammatory Intestinal Disease (cont’d)Inflammatory Intestinal Disease (cont’d)

• Celiac disease

– Inability to absorb gluten

• Diverticulitis

– Many small pouches in wall of intestine

– Attributed to diet low in fiber

– If pouches collect waste and bacteria, leads to diverticulitis

– Treated with diet improvement, stool softeners, drugs to reduce motility


HepatitisHepatitis

• Inflammation of the liver

• More than six types of viral infections

– Hepatitis A

• Spread by fecal-oral contamination

– Hepatitis B

• Spread by blood and other body fluids

– Hepatitis C

• Spread through blood or close contact to infected person


Hepatitis (cont’d)Hepatitis (cont’d)

– Hepatitis D

• Highly pathogenic, only affects those with Hepatitis B

– Hepatitis E

• Spread by contaminated food and water

– Hepatitis G

• Spread through contact with blood of infected person

– Vaccines available for Hepatitis A and B


CirrhosisCirrhosis• Chronic liver disease mainly caused by excess consumption of alcohol

• Characterized by:

– Hepatomegaly

– Edema

– Ascites

– Jaundice

• As it progresses:

– Splenomegaly

– Internal bleeding

– Brain damage


GallstonesGallstones

• Cholecystitis

– Inflammation of gallbladder

• Cholelithiasis

– Presence of stones in gallbladder

– Usually associated with cholecystitis


Gallstones (cont’d)Gallstones (cont’d)

• Diagnosed by:

– Ultrasonography

– Radiography

– Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

• Treatment may involve:

– Drugs to dissolve stones

– Cholecystectomy


PancreatitisPancreatitis

• Inflammation of pancreas

• May result from:

– Alcohol abuse

– Drug toxicity

– Bile obstruction

– Infections

– Other causes

• Disease often subsides with only treatment of symptoms


PretestPretest

1. An organic catalyst is a(n):

(a) sugar

(b) nucleic acid

(c) saliva

(d) enzyme


PretestPretest

1. An organic catalyst is a(n):

(a) sugar

(b) nucleic acid

(c) saliva

(d) enzyme


PretestPretest

2. The organ that carries food from the pharynx to the stomach is the:

(a) trachea

(b) larynx

(c) esophagus

(d) intestine


PretestPretest

2. The organ that carries food from the pharynx to the stomach is the:

(a) trachea

(b) larynx

(c) esophagus

(d) intestine


PretestPretest

3. The word root for the stomach is:

(a) gastr/o

(b) hepat/o

(c) ren/o

(d) cardi/o


PretestPretest

3. The word root for the stomach is:

(a) gastr/o

(b) hepat/o

(c) ren/o

(d) cardi/o


PretestPretest

4. The main portion of the large intestine is the:

(a) stomach

(b) appendix

(c) colon

(d) rectum


PretestPretest

4. The main portion of the large intestine is the:

(a) stomach

(b) appendix

(c) colon

(d) rectum


PretestPretest

5. The word root enter/o refers to the:

(a) intestine

(b) heart

(c) kidney

(d) gallbladder


PretestPretest

5. The word root enter/o refers to the:

(a) intestine

(b) heart

(c) kidney

(d) gallbladder


PretestPretest

6. The wavelike action that moves substances through an organ is called:

(a) pulmonary

(b) peristalsis

(c) parotid

(d) mastication


PretestPretest

6. The wavelike action that moves substances through an organ is called:

(a) pulmonary

(b) peristalsis

(c) parotid

(d) mastication


PretestPretest

7. The process of moving digested nutrients from the intestine into the circulation is called:

(a) digestion

(b) egestion

(c) absorption

(d) lymphedema


PretestPretest

7. The process of moving digested nutrients from the intestine into the circulation is called:

(a) digestion

(b) egestion

(c) absorption

(d) lymphedema


PretestPretest

8. The organ that secretes bile is the:

(a) kidney

(b) spleen

(c) liver

(d) stomach


PretestPretest

8. The organ that secretes bile is the:

(a) kidney

(b) spleen

(c) liver

(d) stomach


PretestPretest

9. Cholecystitis is inflammation of the:

(a) gallbladder

(b) throat

(c) diaphragm

(d) small intestine


PretestPretest

9. Cholecystitis is inflammation of the:

(a) gallbladder

(b) throat

(c) diaphragm

(d) small intestine

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Chapter 12: The Digestive System