Digestive Glands: Definition, Function, Diagram, Examples

What Are Digestive Glands?

Digestive glands are part of the digestive system, designed to produce and secrete certain enzymes accompanied by other substances in charge of food digestion. They break down complex food into molecules simple enough to be easily absorbed and utilised by the body. In their absence, digestion would have its efficiency reduced considerably, often giving rise to phenomena of malnutrition and several disorders of gastrointestinal tract.

Types Of Digestive Glands

Several types of digestive glands form a part of the digestive system; each is involved in performing the activity of digestion and absorption of nutrients. The different forms of digestive glands include:

Salivary Glands

• Types: Parotid, Submandibular, and Sublingual

• Function: Saliva secretion, enzyme production (amylase)

Gastric Glands

• Types: Cardiac, Fundic, Pyloric

• Function: Secretion of gastric juices, HCl, pepsinogen

Pancreas

• Structure: Exocrine and endocrine parts

• Function: Enzyme secretion, hormone production

Liver

• Structure: Lobes and lobules

• Function: Bile production, detoxification, metabolism

Gallbladder

• Function: Storing and concentrating bile

Intestinal Glands

• Location: Crypts of Lieberkuhn in the small intestine

• Function: Secretion of intestinal juices, digestive enzymes

Diagram – Types of Digestive Glands

The diagram given below:

• Shows position and structure of major digestive glands

• Helps in understanding coordination among glands.

Functions of Digestive Glands

Digestive glands perform some very vital functions that are necessary for the normal digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Food Breakdown

• Mechanical and Chemical Digestion: The food is mechanically broken down in the digestive glands and chemically digested by enzymatic action.

• Action of enzymes on Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats: The ingested enzymes released from these glands work on specific macromolecular entities to break them down into units that can be absorbed.

Absorption Of Nutrients

• Emulsification of Fats by Bile: Bile from the liver emulsifies fats, preparing them for digestion.

• Absorption Processes of Nutrients, Enzyme-Specific: It is ensured that all nutrients are digested and absorbed due to enzymes from both the pancreas and intestines.

Disorders of Digestive Glands

There are many disorders which affect the digestive glands and thus affect their functioning, leading to digestive disorders.

Salivary Gland Disorders

• Common Issues: Mumps, sialolithiasis

• Symptoms: Swelling, pain, dry mouth

• Treatment: Medication or surgery.

Gastric Gland Disorders

• Common Issues: Gastritis, ulcers

• Symptoms: Stomach pain, nausea, bleeding

• Treatment: Medication and lifestyle changes.

Pancreatic Disorders

• Common Issues: Pancreatitis, diabetes

• Symptoms: Abdominal pain, digestive problems, high blood sugar.

• Treatment: Medication, dietary changes, and insulin therapy.

Liver Disorders

• Common Issues: Hepatitis, cirrhosis

• Symptoms: Jaundice, fatigue, liver dysfunction

• Treatments: Medication, lifestyle adjustments, and in such serious cases, liver transplantation.

Gallbladder Disorders

• Common Issues: Gallstones, cholecystitis

• Symptoms: Pain, nausea, jaundice

• Treatment: Medication or surgical removal of the gallbladder

Digestive Glands NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Types of Digestive Glands

• Disorders of Digestive Glands

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Which of the following is a digestive gland associated with the alimentary canal?

1. Liver

2. Pancreas

3. Salivary Gland

4. All of the above

Correct answer: 4) All of the above

Explanation:

The digestive system comprises salivary glands, the liver, and the pancreas, which all secrete essential substances for digestion. The salivary glands will secrete saliva containing salivary amylase that breaks starch into sugar. The liver secretes bile juice, which is used in the emulsification of fats. The gland from the pancreas will release pancreatic juice, which will contain trypsinogen and amylase that will digest proteins and carbohydrates. All these glands, along with their enzymes, are essential in the digestive process.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4)All of the above.

Q2. Sphincter of oddi is present at :

1. Ileo-Caecal junction

2. Junction of hepato-pancreatic duct and duodenum

3. Gastro-oesophageal junction

4. Junction of jejunum and duodenum

Correct answer: 2) Junction of hepato-pancreatic duct and duodenum

Explanation:

The Sphincter of Oddi is a muscular valve located at the junction where the hepatopancreatic duct opens into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. This sphincter regulates the flow of bile and pancreatic juices into the duodenum, playing a vital role in digestion.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) the Junction of the hepato-pancreatic duct and duodenum.

Q3. A gland not associated with the alimentary canal is

1. Pancreas

2. Adrenal

3. Liver

4. Salivary glands

Correct answer: 2) Adrenal

Explanation:

The glands play a crucial role in the body’s hormonal regulation by producing hormones that influence metabolism, stress response, and electrolyte balance. Key hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline are produced by these glands. Their distinct function within the endocrine system, as opposed to the digestive system, is emphasized by their separation from the alimentary canal. The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline, which enable the body to react quickly to critical situations, thereby enhancing alertness and energy levels.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) A gland not associated with the alimentary canal is the adrenal (this is the endocrine gland).

Also Read:

• MCQs on Digestive Glands

• Pancreas Function in Human Body

• Digestion in Ruminants

Recommended Video on Digestive Glands