Name_______________________________________
THE JOURNEY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM LAB
Part 1. The Journey of the Digestive System
Watch The Journey of the Digestive System at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3O1AdlC8bI (5:08).
Part 2. Models
Refer to the models available today and, referring to your text, identify the structures.
Part 3. Microscopic anatomy
1. Observe microscope slides available to you today.
2. Use Atlas of Microscopic Anatomy
(http://www.anatomyatlases.org/MicroscopicAnatomy/MicroscopicAnatomy.shtml#TOC),
The Histology Index (bu.edu/histology/m/i_main00.htm), or other resources, if access to microscope is
unavailable.
3. Sketch and identify the epithelial, connective, and muscular tissues for each slide and any other
interesting structures.
Part 4. Complete this chart
Enzyme
Producing Organ
Site of
Action
Substrate(s)
Salivary amylase
Trypsin
Lipase
Pepsin
Part 5. Questions
1. In humans, the number of deciduous teeth is_______; the number of permanent teeth is________.
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2. Which teeth are wisdom teeth?
3. What is meant by an omnivorous diet? Which anatomic structures could you observe to determine diet?
4. Name the three salivary glands and describe their anatomic location.
5. Which nutrient is chemically digested in the mouth?
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6. Where in the digestive tract are proteins first chemically digested?
7. The enzymes of the digestive system are classified as hydrolases. What does this mean?
8. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the stomach wall. Include the cell types and glands.
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9. Which organ stores bile?
10. Discuss how bile and lipase work together to digest fats.
11. Which region of the small intestine is the longest?
12. Which part of the alimentary canal has three layers of smooth muscle?
13. Name the end products of digestion for the following types of food:
a. Proteins
b. Carbohydrates
c. Fats
14. Which vessel carries blood rich in nutrients from the digestive tract to the liver?
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15. Describe the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas.
16. Pancreatic and intestinal enzymes operate optimally at a slightly alkaline ph. Yet the chyme entering the
duodenum from the stomach is acidic. How is the proper pH for the functioning of the pancreaticintestinal enzymes ensured?
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