Physiology

1.

Take in Food 2. Breakdown the food 3.Absorb digested molecules 4. Provide Nutrients 5. Eliminate wastes.

LIVER The liver is the largest glandular organ of the body. It weighs about 3 lb (1.36 kg).

It is reddish brown in color and is divided into four lobes of unequal size and shape. The liver lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm.

The Blood is carried to the liver via two large vessels called the hepatic artery and the portal vein.

The heptic artery carries oxygen-rich blood from the aorta (a major vessel in the heart) The portal vein carries blood containing digested food from the small intestine.

to produce substances that break down fats. convert glucose to glycogen produce urea (the main substance of urine) make certain amino acids (the building blocks of proteins in your body.

Filter harmful substances from the blood (such as alcohol) Storage of vitamins and minerals (vitamin A, D, K and B12) Maintain a proper level or glucose in the blood. The liver is also responsible for producing cholesterol. It produces about 80% of the cholesterol

The Buccal Cavity -Food enters the mouth and is chewed by the teeth, turned over and mixed with saliva by the tongue. The sensations of smell and taste from the food sets up reflexes which stimulate the salivary glands.

The Salivary glands -These glands increase their output of secretions through three pairs of ducts into the oral cavity, and begin the process of digestion. -Saliva lubricates the food enabling it to be swallowed and contains the enzyme ptyalin which serves to begin to break down starch.

The Pharynx -Situated at the back of the nose and oral cavity receives the softened food mass or bolus by the tongue pushing it against the palate which initiates the swallowing action. -At the same time a small flap called the epiglottis moves over the trachea to prevent any food particles getting into the windpipe. -From the pharynx onwards the alimentary canal is a simple tube starting with the salivary glands.

The Oesophagus -travels through the neck and thorax, behind the trachea and in front of the aorta. The food is moved by rhythmical muscular contractions known as peristalsis (wave-like motions) caused by contractions in longitudinal and circular bands of muscle

The Stomach -lies below the diaphragm and to the left of the liver. It is the widest part of the alimentary canal and acts as a reservoir for the food where it may remain for between 2 and 6 hours. Here the food is churned over and mixed with various hormones, enzymes including pepsinogen which begins the digestion of protein, hydrochloric acid, and other chemicals; all of which are also secreted further down the digestive tract.

Small Intestine -measures about 7m in an average adult and consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Both the bile and pancreatic ducts open into the duodenum together. - because of its structure, provides a vast lining through which further absorption takes place. There is a large lymph and blood supply to this area, ready to transport nutrients to the rest of the body. -Digestion in the small intestine relies on its own secretions plus those from the pancreas, liver, and gall bladder.

The Pancreas -is connected to the duodenum via two ducts and has two main functions: 1. To produce enzymes to aid the process of digestion 2. To release insulin directly into the blood stream for the purpose of controlling blood sugar levels

The Gall Bladder -stores and concentrates bile which emulsifies fats making them easier to break down by the pancreatic juices.

The Large Intestine -Averages about 1.5m long and comprises the caecum, appendix, colon, and rectum. After food is passed into the caecum a reflex action in response to the pressure causes the contraction of the ileocolic valve preventing any food returning to the ileum. -Here most of the water is absorbed, much of which was not ingested, but secreted by digestive glands further up the digestive tract. The colon is divided into the ascending, transverse and descending colons, before reaching the anal canal where the indigestible foods are expelled from the body.