Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

Anatomy & Physiology

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of the gastric folds, also known as rugae, in the stomach?

To secrete digestive enzymes

To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream

To allow the stomach to expand when filled with food

To prevent the backflow of stomach acid

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the anatomy of the stomach: The stomach is a muscular organ involved in digestion. It has an inner lining that contains folds called gastric folds or rugae.

Learn the structural role of rugae: Gastric folds are ridges in the stomach lining that are most prominent when the stomach is empty.

Explore the functional significance: The primary function of rugae is to allow the stomach to expand and accommodate food when it is ingested. This expansion is crucial for digestion.

Differentiate from other functions: Rugae do not secrete digestive enzymes (this is done by gastric glands) or absorb nutrients (this occurs primarily in the small intestine). They also do not prevent backflow of stomach acid (this is managed by the lower esophageal sphincter).

Conclude the correct function: Based on the anatomy and physiology of the stomach, the correct answer is that rugae allow the stomach to expand when filled with food.