Gross structure of the gastrointestinal tract

Food is taken into the buccal cavity, where it is masticated by the teeth and mixed with saliva from three pairs of salivary glands. It moistens the food and dissolves some molecules enabling them to interact with the taste receptors on the tongue. Saliva contains Na% Cl and HCOs ions and a protein, mucin, which is a component of mucus that lubricates the chewed food on its way down the oesophagus. The pH of saliva is about 7.8, which neutralises acid formed by bacteria in the mouth this protects tooth enamel 

The stomach receives food from the buccal cavity, it partially digests protein, fat and carbohydrate and it then delivers the resulting mixture (chyme) into the small intestine. The inner surface of the stomach is folded into ridges, to allow for distension after a meal, they contain gastric pits into which several gastric glands discharge their secretions (Table 4.1). 

The stomach secretes pepsinogens, which are inactive proteolytic enzymes, and protons - the high concentration of which initiates hydrolysis of the pepsinogens to form active pepsins, which then continue their own activation, via an autocatalytic, hydrolysis (Appendix 4.1). 

Temporary storage endocrine and paracrine communication digestion of protein. 

Pathogens need to adhere to the cell surface of the epithelial cells in order to enter the cells, so the mucous layer protects against attack by pathogens. 

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