NSG 530 / NSG 530
EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE
Advanced Pathophysiology - Wilkes
THIS GUIDE CONTAINS:
NSG 530 Exam 3 Study Guide key Terms and Definitions Review Course Expert-Verified
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### 1. Role of the Digesve System The digesve system is crucial for converng ingested food into energy and nutrients that the body can use. It breaks down food mechanically and chemically, allowing for the transfer of energy-rich macronutrients, along with water and electrolytes, into the internal environment of the body. This process supports cellular metabolism and overall physiological funcons.
### 2. Components of the Gastrointesnal Tract
The gastrointesnal (GI) tract includes several components: the mouth,
esophagus, stomach, small intesne, large intesne, rectum, and anus. Each part plays a vital role in the overall process of digeson, facilitang the breakdown of food, absorpon of nutrients, and eliminaon of waste products through coordinated acons.
### 3. Funcons of the Gastrointesnal System
The gastrointesnal system accomplishes four primary funcons:
- **Movement:** Propelling contents through the digesve tract via peristalsis.
- **Secreon:** Releasing digesve juices and enzymes crical for digeson.
- **Digeson:** Breaking down food substances into absorbable units.
- **Absorpon:** Uptake of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from the gut into
the bloodstream.
### 4. Alimentary Canal The alimentary canal, synonymous with the GI tract, forms a connuous tube extending from the mouth to the anus. This tube is designed for the efficient 2 / 4
breakdown and absorpon of food materials, presenng an organized pathway for digeson and waste excreon.
### 5. Layers of the Gastrointesnal Tract
The gastrointesnal tract is structured in layers, which include:
- **Mucosa:** The innermost layer responsible for secreon and absorpon of
nutrients.
- **Submucosa:** Contains blood vessels, lymphacs, and nerve fibers providing
support.
- **Muscularis:** Facilitates movement through two muscle layers; circular and
longitudinal.
- **Serosa/Advena:** The outermost protecve layer providing structural
support.
### 6. Enteric (Intramural) Plexus The enteric plexus is a complex network of neurons embedded in the gastrointesnal wall, autonomously controlling gut molity, secreon, sensaon, and blood flow. It funcons semi-independently from the central nervous system, allowing localized reflexes that coordinate complex digesve acons.
### 7. Funcons of Saliva
Saliva plays essenal roles in digeson and oral health, including:
- **Lubricaon:** Moistening food to facilitate swallowing.
- **Anbacterial Acon:** Containing enzymes and compounds that limit
bacterial growth. 3 / 4
- **pH Regulaon:** Neutralizing acids that may damage dental health.
- **Thermoregulaon:** Aiding in the cooling of food.
- **Enzymac Digeson:** Iniang the breakdown of carbohydrates via salivary
amylase.
### 8. Phases of Swallowing
Swallowing involves two disnct phases:
- **Oropharyngeal Phase:** This voluntary phase occurs when food is formed into
a bolus and pushed toward the pharynx.
- **Esophageal Phase:** An involuntary phase where the bolus enters the
esophagus, triggering peristalsis that moves it toward the lower esophageal sphincter.
### 9. Oropharyngeal Swallowing The oropharyngeal phase is a voluntary process that involves the coordinaon of striated muscle to form a bolus of food and propel it into the pharynx, preparing it for the next phase of swallowing.
### 10. Esophageal Swallowing Esophageal swallowing is an involuntary acon characterized by the transport of the food bolus down the esophagus through coordinated muscle contracons referred to as peristalsis, ulmately reaching the lower esophageal sphincter.
### 11. Permanent Teeth in Adults
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