NURS 201 Lecture Notes - Liver Function Tests, Biliary Tract, Gastric Acid
28 Apr 2013
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Document Summary
The main function of the gastrointestinal (gi) system is to supply nutrients to body cells. The gi tract is innervated by the autonomic nervous system. The parasympathetic system is mainly excitatory, and the sympathetic system is mainly inhibitory. The two types of movement of the gi tract are mixing (segmentation) and propulsion (peristalsis). The secretions of the gi system consist of enzymes and hormones for digestion, mucus to provide protection and lubrication, water, and electrolytes. Mouth: the mouth consists of the lips and oral (buccal) cavity, the main function of saliva is to lubricate and soften the food mass, thus facilitating swallowing. Pharynx: a musculomembranous tube that is divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngeal pharynx. Esophagus: a hollow, muscular tube that receives food from the pharynx and moves it to the stomach by peristaltic contractions, lower esophageal sphincter (les) at the distal end remains contracted except during swallowing, belching, or vomiting.
