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These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and functions related to the digestive system, providing definitions and explanations for effective study and understanding.
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Ingestion
The process of taking food into the body through the mouth.
Propulsion
The action of moving food through the digestive tract, including swallowing and peristalsis.
Peristalsis
Involuntary contractions of smooth muscles that move food through the digestive tract.
Chyme
The partially digested food that is mixed with gastric juices in the stomach.
Mucosa
The innermost layer of the digestive tract that produces digestive juices and houses protective mucus.
Submucosa
The layer of the digestive tract that contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels.
Muscularis
The layer responsible for peristalsis and contractions in the digestive system.
Serosa
The outermost layer of the digestive tract that allows organs to move smoothly against each other.
Enteric nervous system
A network of nerves that independently controls digestion.
Pancreatic juice
Digestive fluid that contains enzymes needed to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Hydrochloric acid
A strong acid produced in the stomach that initiates protein digestion.
Intrinsic factor
A substance produced in the stomach that is essential for vitamin B12 absorption.
Villi
Tiny finger-like projections lining the small intestine that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.
Micelles
Aggregates of bile salts and fat molecules that facilitate the absorption of fats in the intestine.
Reflexes
Automatic responses that prepare the digestive system before food intake, such as saliva production.
Gut microbiome
A community of trillions of bacteria and microorganisms in the intestines that aid in digestion and health.
Metabolism
The sum of all chemical processes in the body that convert food into energy and building blocks.
Mass movements
Powerful contractions in the large intestine that move waste towards elimination.
Emulsification
The process by which bile salts break down fat globules into smaller droplets, increasing surface area for enzymes.
Holistic health
An approach that considers the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.