Summarizing Digestive System Regulation

Summary

The brain and the endocrine system control digestive processes. The brain controls the responses of hunger and satiety. The endocrine system controls the release of hormones and enzymes required for digestion of food in the digestive tract.

Glossary

cephalic phase

first phase of digestion, controlled by the neural response to the stimulus provided by food

cholecystokinin

hormone that stimulates the contraction of the gallbladder to release bile

endocrine system

system that controls the response of the various glands in the body and the release of hormones at the appropriate times

gastric inhibitory peptide

hormone secreted by the small intestine in the presence of fatty acids and sugars; it also inhibits acid production and peristalsis in order to slow down the rate at which food enters the small intestine

gastric phase

digestive phase beginning once food enters the stomach; gastric acids and enzymes process the ingested materials

gastrin

hormone which stimulates hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach

intestinal phase

third digestive phase; begins when chyme enters the small intestine triggering digestive secretions and controlling the rate of gastric emptying

secretin

hormone which stimulates sodium bicarbonate secretion in the small intestine

somatostatin

hormone released to stop acid secretion when the stomach is empty