Anatomy and Physiology
Test Review Guide: The Digestive System
Tissues of the Digestive System
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Know the four layers of the alimentary canal wall and know the tissue(s) that makes up
each layer.
Be able to relate the structure of the layer/tissue with the function of the layer/tissue.
You should know the following terms: enterocytes (absorptive columnar cells), villi,
microvilli, goblet cells, Brunner’s gland, circular muscle layer, longitudinal muscle layer
Be able to identify and explain differences between the lining of the esophagus,
stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
General Digestive System Material
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Fuunctions, major structures of the digestive system, and movements through the canal
(segmentation, peristalsis). Mechanical v. Chemical Digestion.
The Mouth, Pharynx, Esophagus
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Review structures list worksheet- The Mouth and Part II
Know structures, functions, and be able to label parts of the mouth
Salivary glands- know glands, functions, and secretions
Pharynx and Esophagus- know location; know three stages of swallowing; bolus
The Stomach
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What is it? Where is it located? What are the functions?
Be able to label the four regions of the stomach.
Review stomach terms worksheet.
What does the stomach secrete?
What does the stomach absorb?
The Pancreas, Liver, and Gallbladder
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Know what each is, where it is located, and what the functions are
Know composition of pancreatic juice; Know what each enzyme digests
Know liver lobule structure and be able to label
What is bile? Where is it produced? Where is it stored?
What are bile salts? What is emulsification?
The Small Intestine
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Know the parts and functions of the small intestine; Mesentery; Greater omentum
Review structure of the wall (tissues lab)
What does the small intestine secrete? How are those secretions regulated?
What does the small intestine absorb? Know the means of transport.
Review small intestine worksheet
The Large Intestine
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Know the parts and functions of the large intestine and be able to label a diagram
Be able to differentiate between the small intestinal wall and the large intestinal wall
How does function of large intestine differ from small intestine?
Review intestinal flora information, composition of feces, and other questions on Large
intestine worksheet.
Don’t forget about the big picture. Review your pathway of a piece of food throughout the
digestive system.