Week 7: Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System. 

Objective 

To provide students with an understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and clinical relevance of the digestive system, enabling them to identify key structures, describe digestive processes, and recognize common digestive disorders. 

Day 1 - Introduction to the Digestive System 

  • Topics Covered: 

    • Functions of the digestive system: ingestion, digestion, absorption, elimination 

    • Overview of organs: alimentary canal vs. accessory organs 

    • Mechanical vs. chemical digestion 

  • Activities: 

    • Lecture with visual diagrams 

    • Group discussion: why digestion is essential for health 

    • Matching exercise: digestive process to organ 

Day 2 - Anatomy of the Alimentary Canal (Upper GI Tract) 

  • Topics Covered: 

    • Structures: mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach 

    • Functions of each organ 

    • Peristalsis and sphincters 

  • Activities: 

    • Diagram labeling of upper GI tract 

    • Mini quiz on upper GI anatomy 

    • Role-play: explaining acid reflux to a patient 

Day 3 - Anatomy of the Alimentary Canal (Lower GI Tract) 

  • Topics Covered: 

    • Structures: small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum), large intestine (cecum, colon, rectum), anus - Functions of each section 

    • Water absorption and fecal formation 

  • Activities: 

    • Diagram labeling of lower GI tract 

    • Group worksheet: nutrient absorption sites 

    • Quiz on small vs. large intestine functions

Day 4 - Accessory Digestive Organs 

  • Topics Covered: 

    • Liver: bile production, detoxification 

    • Gallbladder: bile storage and release 

    • Pancreas: digestive enzymes and insulin production 

    • Salivary glands: saliva and enzymes 

  • Activities: 

    • Labeling exercise: accessory organ locations 

    • Case study: gallstones and pancreatitis 

    • Short quiz on accessory organs 

Day 5 - Digestive Physiology & Disorders 

  • Topics Covered: 

    • Digestive process overview: ingestion to elimination 

    • Enzymes and hormones in digestion 

    • Common digestive disorders: GERD, ulcers, IBS, hepatitis, colorectal cancer - Nutrition and digestive health 

  • Activities: 

    • Flowchart creation: steps of digestion 

    • Group case studies on digestive disorders 

    • End-of-week review quiz 

Assessment & Homework 

  • Assessment: 

    • End-of-week quiz (20-25 questions: multiple choice, labeling, short answer) 

  • Homework: 

    • Read digestive system chapter in A&P textbook 

    • Complete labeling worksheets for digestive organs 

    • Write a one-page summary of a digestive disorder and its prevention