Complete Exam Latest Solution
1. Specific parts of the Gastrointestinal tract include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large
intestine and rectum. Other organs such as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas aid indigestion but are not
considered part of the digestive process and considered accessory organs..
-2.0 points
Specific parts of the
GI tract
include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum. Other organssuch as the
liver, gallbladder and pancreas aid in digestion but are not considered part of the
GI tract
2. Explain the symptoms of diverticulosis.
Weakened areas of the large intestine that develop small pouches that push out of the weakenedareas.
Happens naturally as we age. Considered non-problematic.
Becomes a problem when food gets stuck in the pouches and become inflammed and/or infected.
When this occurs it is known as divirticulitis.
Explain the symptoms of diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis is weak spots in the colon that results in the formation of small pouches. When
inflamed the pouches are referred to as diverticulitis.
3. Sphincters play an important role in the GI tract.
Name two sphincters discussed in the module and using your own words, briefly describe theirfunctions.
, esophageal sphincter - valve/circular muscle located at the end of the esophagus and beginning of the stomach.
Acts as a gate keeper and prevents anything that has moved from the esophagus into the stomach, from coming
back into the esophagus. This is important because the stomach is very acidic and if any contents from the
stomach go back into the esophagus, the lining of the esophaguscould get burned from the acid.
ileocecal sphincter - valve/circular muscle located at the end of the small intestine and beginning of the large
intestine. Acts as a gate keeper and prevents anything that has moved from the small intestine into the large
intestine, from coming back into the small intestine. This is important becausewe do not want any matter
formed in the large intestine (feces) to go back into the small intestine and contaminate it. It is also important
to keep most of the material in the small intestine before entering the large intestine so many nutrients can be
absorbed and proper digestion and absorption can occur.
Answer Key
Sphincters play an important role in the GI tract.
Name two sphincters discussed in the module and using your own words, briefly describe theirfunctions.
The esophageal sphincter prevents the contents of the stomach from reentering the esophagus. Thepyloric
sphincter controls the release of chyme into the small intestines from the stomach. The ileocecal sphincter
prevents the contents of the large intestine from entering the small intestine.
4. Name the 4 organs that are not part of the GI tract but aid in digestion.
1. Salivary glands
2. Liver
3. Gallbladder
4. Pancreas
All considered accessory organs because they secrete enzymes and hormones that contribute to thedigestion
and elimination process.