Body Systems Vocabulary

A comprehensive vocabulary flashcard set covering the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and excretory systems based on the lecture transcript.

absorption

The movement of substances through tiny holes into the bloodstream

chemical digestion

The breakdown of food by saliva, stomach acid and other digestive juices

digestion

The breakdown of food into simple nutrients the body can absorb

digestive system

The group of organs that break food down into simple nutrients the body can absorb

digestive tract

The connected organs that food passes through as it is broken down

enzyme

A substance made by the body to speed up chemical digestion

large intestine

A wide tube where water is absorbed and most good bacteria live

liver

A large organ that produces bile to help digest fats

oesophagus

The tube that connects the throat to the stomach

peristalsis

Involuntary muscle contractions that push food through tubes

physical digestion

The breakdown of food by mashing, grinding, churning or mixing

small intestine

A long, narrow tube where most nutrients are absorbed by the body

stomach

A muscular pouch that churns and squeezes food into liquid

villus

A tiny finger-like structure on the lining of the small intestine

alveolus

A tiny air sac in a lung where gas exchange occurs

breathing

the process used by animals to exchange gases with the atmosphere

bronchiole

a tube that carries air through a lung

cellular respiration

the process used by all living cells to release energy

diaphragm

a large sheet of muscle that contracts to draw gas into the lungs.

diffusion

the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

gas exchange

the movement of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of it.

intercostal muscle

a thin band of muscle between two ribs that helps with breathing.

larynx

the upper part of the trachea containing the vocal cords

lung

An organ where gas exchange occurs between air and blood

pharynx

The common pathway for air and food

respiratory system

A group of organs that allows an animal to exchange gases with its environment.