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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Problem 18b

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
b. The esophageal and pharyngeal phases of swallowing are mediated by the swallowing reflex of the brainstem and the enteric nervous system.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the phases of swallowing. Swallowing, or deglutition, consists of three phases: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. The voluntary phase is under conscious control, while the pharyngeal and esophageal phases are involuntary and controlled by reflexes.

Step 2: Identify the control mechanisms for the pharyngeal and esophageal phases. The pharyngeal phase is mediated by the swallowing reflex, which is controlled by the brainstem (specifically the medulla oblongata). The esophageal phase is primarily controlled by the enteric nervous system, with some input from the brainstem.

Step 3: Analyze the statement. The statement claims that both the esophageal and pharyngeal phases are mediated by the swallowing reflex of the brainstem and the enteric nervous system. This is partially correct but not entirely accurate.

Step 4: Correct the false part of the statement. The pharyngeal phase is mediated by the swallowing reflex of the brainstem, while the esophageal phase is mediated by the enteric nervous system, with some coordination from the brainstem. Therefore, the statement is false as written.

Step 5: Rewrite the corrected statement. The corrected statement should read: 'The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is mediated by the swallowing reflex of the brainstem, while the esophageal phase is mediated by the enteric nervous system, with some input from the brainstem.'

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Swallowing Reflex

The swallowing reflex is a complex series of actions initiated by the brainstem that coordinates the movement of food from the mouth through the pharynx and into the esophagus. This reflex involves both voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions, ensuring that food is safely directed into the digestive tract while preventing aspiration into the airway.

Pharyngeal Phase of Swallowing

The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is the second stage of the swallowing process, occurring after the oral phase. It is characterized by the involuntary contraction of muscles in the pharynx, which propels the bolus of food toward the esophagus while simultaneously closing off the airway to prevent choking.

Enteric Nervous System

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex network of neurons that governs the function of the gastrointestinal system. Often referred to as the 'second brain,' the ENS operates independently but can communicate with the central nervous system, playing a crucial role in regulating digestive processes, including the coordination of swallowing.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The muscularis externa of most of the alimentary canal consists of inner circular and outer longitudinal layers of smooth muscle.

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Multiple Choice

True or False: if false, choose the answer that best corrects the statement.

While the accessory organs contribute important digestive enzymes and fluids, all digestions and absorption of nutrients takes place in the alimentary canal/GI tract.

Four organs are listed below. During food’s path through the alimentary canal, the partially digested food passes through the lumen of each of these organs except:

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The mucosa of the esophagus, pharynx, and oral cavity contains simple squamous epithelium to protect it from abrasion.

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Multiple Choice

The enteric nervous system is the in-house nerve supply of the alimentary canal.

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Textbook Question

Make a simple line drawing of the organs of the alimentary canal and label each organ. Then add three labels to your drawing—salivary glands, liver, and pancreas—and use arrows to show where each of these organs empties its secretions into the alimentary canal.

A drop in pH below 4.5 in the duodenum stimulates the secretion of

(a) Secretin

(b) Cholecystokinin

(d) All of these