Your Digestive and Urinary Systems Chapter 18

Digestive Function Digestion: A mechanical and chemical breakdown of foods for use by the body’s cells. Digestion: A mechanical and chemical breakdown of foods for use by the body’s cells. Absorption: The passage of digested food from the digestive tract into the circulatory system. Absorption: The passage of digested food from the digestive tract into the circulatory system. Elimination: The expulsion of undigested food or body wastes. Elimination: The expulsion of undigested food or body wastes.

The Digestive Structure Ingestion: The taking of food into the body. Ingestion: The taking of food into the body. Mastication: The process of chewing. Mastication: The process of chewing. Digestion begins in the mouth with the salivary glands. These glands contain enzymes used to begin the process of breaking down food. Digestion begins in the mouth with the salivary glands. These glands contain enzymes used to begin the process of breaking down food.

The Digestive Structure Your tongue will automatically ball food up into a shape suitable for swallowing. Your tongue will automatically ball food up into a shape suitable for swallowing. The food first enters the pharynx, followed by the esophagus on its path to your stomach. The food first enters the pharynx, followed by the esophagus on its path to your stomach. Epiglottis: The small flap that covers your trachea to prevent food from entering. Epiglottis: The small flap that covers your trachea to prevent food from entering.

The Digestive Structure Talking while eating will prevent complete closure of the epiglottis, causing a natural reflex reaction and choking to remove remnants of food from the trachea (your windpipe). Talking while eating will prevent complete closure of the epiglottis, causing a natural reflex reaction and choking to remove remnants of food from the trachea (your windpipe).

The Digestive Structure Peristalsis: A series of involuntary smooth muscle contractions moving food through your esophagus. Peristalsis: A series of involuntary smooth muscle contractions moving food through your esophagus. A sphincter muscle, circular in shape, opens and closes letting food into the stomach. A sphincter muscle, circular in shape, opens and closes letting food into the stomach.

The Digestive Structure The sphincter muscles throughout the digestive tract prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus and food from backing up through the digestion system. The sphincter muscles throughout the digestive tract prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus and food from backing up through the digestion system.

The Digestive Structure The stomach is a hollow organ which consists of a three layered, muscular wall, designed to expand when it becomes filled. The stomach is a hollow organ which consists of a three layered, muscular wall, designed to expand when it becomes filled. The stomach serves four main purposes in the digestive process The stomach serves four main purposes in the digestive process

The Digestive Structure Continuing the breakdown of food Continuing the breakdown of food A storage facility for food waiting to enter the small intestines. A storage facility for food waiting to enter the small intestines. Mixes food together with Pepsin (an enzyme) and hydrochloric acid. The pepsin breaks down proteins. Hydrochloric acid kills bacteria taken in from the food and creates a better digestive environment. Mixes food together with Pepsin (an enzyme) and hydrochloric acid. The pepsin breaks down proteins. Hydrochloric acid kills bacteria taken in from the food and creates a better digestive environment.

The Digestive Structure A mucus lining is found in the stomach to prevent the stomach’s acids from digesting itself. These cells are replaced every three days. A mucus lining is found in the stomach to prevent the stomach’s acids from digesting itself. These cells are replaced every three days. And finally, the stomach controls the rate at which food enters the small intestines. And finally, the stomach controls the rate at which food enters the small intestines. Check p. 415 for stomach facts. Check p. 415 for stomach facts.

The Digestive Structure When the stomach churns food it produces what is known as chyme, a mixture of gastric acids and liquefied food. This production causes peristalsis. When the stomach churns food it produces what is known as chyme, a mixture of gastric acids and liquefied food. This production causes peristalsis.

The Digestive Structure The small intestine is where the majority of digestion and absorption takes place. The small intestine is where the majority of digestion and absorption takes place. It is approximately feet in length and one inch in diameter. It is approximately feet in length and one inch in diameter. The small intestine absorbs the chyme through the villi, tiny fingerlike substances that have capillaries in them to absorb food into the blood. The small intestine absorbs the chyme through the villi, tiny fingerlike substances that have capillaries in them to absorb food into the blood. Complete chemical breakdown of food, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates, takes place in the small intestines. Complete chemical breakdown of food, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates, takes place in the small intestines.

The Digestive Structure Intestinal juices and secretions from the liver and pancreas finish the chemical breakdown process of food in the small intestine. Intestinal juices and secretions from the liver and pancreas finish the chemical breakdown process of food in the small intestine. The large intestine, or colon, is about 5-6 feet long and 2 ½ inches in diameter. The large intestine, or colon, is about 5-6 feet long and 2 ½ inches in diameter. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water, vitamins and electrolytes and evacuate any unused waste products. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water, vitamins and electrolytes and evacuate any unused waste products. The bacteria in the large intestine change food stuffs into a semi solid waste product. The bacteria in the large intestine change food stuffs into a semi solid waste product.

The Digestive Structure The Liver: second largest organ in your body, primary purpose is to regulate the chemicals in your blood. The Liver: second largest organ in your body, primary purpose is to regulate the chemicals in your blood. The Gallbladder: a small organ underneath the liver that stores bile produced by the liver, to later be released into the small intestines to break down fats. The Gallbladder: a small organ underneath the liver that stores bile produced by the liver, to later be released into the small intestines to break down fats.

The Digestive Structure Pancreas: A unique organ that is part of the digestive and endocrine systems. It releases insulin to control blood sugar and trypsin, amylase and lipase to digest proteins, carbs and fats. Pancreas: A unique organ that is part of the digestive and endocrine systems. It releases insulin to control blood sugar and trypsin, amylase and lipase to digest proteins, carbs and fats.

Digestive Care It is important to have a diet with high amounts of fiber. It is important to have a diet with high amounts of fiber. Soluble fiber will dissolve in water and can lower your bad cholesterol. Soluble fiber will dissolve in water and can lower your bad cholesterol. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water, making it a a good protector from bowel problems and possibly even colon cancer. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water, making it a a good protector from bowel problems and possibly even colon cancer.

Digestive Problems Indigestion: a burning discomfort in the upper abdomen. Indigestion: a burning discomfort in the upper abdomen. Causes: Causes: –Eating too much –Eating too quickly –Eating certain foods –Stomach disorders –Stress

Digestive Problems Heartburn (A.K.A.- Acid Reflux): A burning sensation in the middle to upper part of the chest. Heartburn (A.K.A.- Acid Reflux): A burning sensation in the middle to upper part of the chest. The primary cause is a backflow of stomach acid up into the esophagus, specifically caused by an incomplete closure of the sphincter found between the esophagus and stomach. The primary cause is a backflow of stomach acid up into the esophagus, specifically caused by an incomplete closure of the sphincter found between the esophagus and stomach.

Digestive Problems Hiatal Hernia: A condition in which part of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm. This may also cause heartburn. Hiatal Hernia: A condition in which part of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm. This may also cause heartburn. Gas: Certain foods produced greater amounts of gas in the stomach and intestines, making it uncomfortable. Gas: Certain foods produced greater amounts of gas in the stomach and intestines, making it uncomfortable.

Digestive Problems Nausea: A feeling of distress or weakness that often precedes vomiting. Nausea: A feeling of distress or weakness that often precedes vomiting. Nausea can be produced by motion, pathogens, medicines, drugs or other substances in the stomach. Nausea can be produced by motion, pathogens, medicines, drugs or other substances in the stomach.

Digestive Problems Diarrhea: A condition where the feces are watery and expelled frequently. Diarrhea: A condition where the feces are watery and expelled frequently. Diarrhea can be caused by poor diet, or viral or bacterial infections. Diarrhea can be caused by poor diet, or viral or bacterial infections. Constipation: The feces become dry and hard making bowel movements difficult. Constipation: The feces become dry and hard making bowel movements difficult.

Digestive Problems Constipation: A condition where the feces become dry and hard, making bowel movements difficult. Constipation: A condition where the feces become dry and hard, making bowel movements difficult. –Not enough fiber in your diet can result in constipation.

Structural Digestive Problems Gallstones: small crystals which form in your bladder as a result of chemical disruption in the bile. Gallstones: small crystals which form in your bladder as a result of chemical disruption in the bile. –Can be treated with medicine to dissolve them or ultrasonic shock waves to destroy them. –Surgery is only if they cannot be destroyed.

Structural Digestive Problems Appendicitis: An inflammation of the appendix, a 3-4 inch extension at one end of the large intestine. The condition is caused by a backup of bacteria in one end of the organ. Appendicitis: An inflammation of the appendix, a 3-4 inch extension at one end of the large intestine. The condition is caused by a backup of bacteria in one end of the organ. –Symptoms might be: lower adominal pain, cramping, fever, nausea, vomiting, the feeling of constipation and gas.

Structural Digestive Problems Gastritis: An inflammation of the mucus membrane which lines the stomach. Gastritis: An inflammation of the mucus membrane which lines the stomach. Caused by poor diet, smoking, alcohol or bacteria. Caused by poor diet, smoking, alcohol or bacteria. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.

Structural Digestive Problems Lactose Intolerance: The inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. Lactose Intolerance: The inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. People who are lactose intolerant lack or are deficient of the enzyme lactase, which helps break down lactose in the small intestine. People who are lactose intolerant lack or are deficient of the enzyme lactase, which helps break down lactose in the small intestine. Symptoms include cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhea. Symptoms include cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhea.

Structural Digestive Problems Peptic Ulcer: A sore in the lining of the digestive tract. It can occur in the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. Peptic Ulcer: A sore in the lining of the digestive tract. It can occur in the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. Ulcers occur when the protective lining is damaged allowing the acids to eat away at it. Ulcers occur when the protective lining is damaged allowing the acids to eat away at it.

Structural Digestive Problems Increased risk caused by aspirin, ibuprofen, smoking and a bacterial infection (H. Pylori). Increased risk caused by aspirin, ibuprofen, smoking and a bacterial infection (H. Pylori).

Structural Digestive Problems Colitis: An inflammation of the colon, often caused by a virus, bacteria or an amoeba. Colitis: An inflammation of the colon, often caused by a virus, bacteria or an amoeba. Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus region. Constipation, sitting a lot, pregnancy and giving birth are common causes. Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus region. Constipation, sitting a lot, pregnancy and giving birth are common causes. Tooth Decay: Health teeth lead to a healthy diet. Tooth Decay: Health teeth lead to a healthy diet.

The Urinary System Urine: Liquid waste containing nitrogen and unused nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Urine: Liquid waste containing nitrogen and unused nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The Kidneys: Located on each side of your back, these fist sized organs continually filter your blood. The Kidneys: Located on each side of your back, these fist sized organs continually filter your blood. –50 gallons filtered each day

The Kidneys Nephrons: These are the functional part of the kidney. Each one contains a tubule with a series of capillaries, called a glomerulus, that functions as the filtering funnel. Nephrons: These are the functional part of the kidney. Each one contains a tubule with a series of capillaries, called a glomerulus, that functions as the filtering funnel. The kidneys filter wasted from your blood and regulate the amount of salt and water excreted into the urine. The kidneys filter wasted from your blood and regulate the amount of salt and water excreted into the urine.

The Kidneys Ureters: Tubes that connect to the kidneys to your bladder. Ureters: Tubes that connect to the kidneys to your bladder. Bladder: A hollow reservoir (storage tank) for urine. The average size of a male bladder is larger than a female bladder. Bladder: A hollow reservoir (storage tank) for urine. The average size of a male bladder is larger than a female bladder. Urethra: The tube that leads from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethra: The tube that leads from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Care for Urinary System The best way to naturally care for your urinary system is to eat healthy, non- toxic foods, and to drink plenty of water (about 6-8 glasses of water per day, which included foods that contain water). The best way to naturally care for your urinary system is to eat healthy, non- toxic foods, and to drink plenty of water (about 6-8 glasses of water per day, which included foods that contain water).

Kidney Problems Cystitis: A bacterial infection of the bladder, most common in females. Cystitis: A bacterial infection of the bladder, most common in females. Urethritis: An inflammation of the urethra. Urethritis: An inflammation of the urethra. Incontinence: The inability to hold in your urine. Incontinence: The inability to hold in your urine.

Kidney Problems Nephritis: An inflammation of the nephrons. Nephritis: An inflammation of the nephrons. Kidney Stones: Hard crystals formed from substances in the urine. Kidney Stones: Hard crystals formed from substances in the urine. If the stone can not be passed through the urine naturally, then a procedure known as lithotripsy is used to break the stones apart with high intensity sound waves. If the stone can not be passed through the urine naturally, then a procedure known as lithotripsy is used to break the stones apart with high intensity sound waves.

Kidney Problems Uremia: When the kidneys are unable to rid waste from the body, poisonous substances being to build. Uremia: When the kidneys are unable to rid waste from the body, poisonous substances being to build. Kidney Failure: Any disease that can damage your kidneys can cause failure. Kidney Failure: Any disease that can damage your kidneys can cause failure.

Kidney Problems Three ways to help with kidney failure Three ways to help with kidney failure –Hemodialysis: the use of an artificial machine to filter the blood. –Peritoneal Dialysis: Inserting a tube into the peritoneal cavity, which acts as a blood filtering organ. –Kidney Transplant: A very successful transplant procedure, over 80%.