Digestive and Reproductive Systems

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering vocabulary related to the digestive and reproductive systems, designed to aid in exam preparation.

Bolus

A lump of food that is formed after chewing.

Mastication

The process of chewing food.

Deglutition

The process of swallowing food.

Chyme

The creamy paste that solid food becomes in the stomach.

Mechanical Digestion

The physical breakdown of food from bolus to chyme.

Chemical Digestion

The process of changing food into something more beneficial.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis

The process in which enzymes and water chemically break down food.

Carbohydrates (Carbs)

Nutrients that are broken down into glucose, which is used for ATP.

Lipids

Nutrients that are broken down into fatty acids, which are a major source of ATP.

Proteins

Nutrients that serve as the building blocks of life and are broken down into amino acids.

Salivary Glands

Glands that produce saliva to aid in digestion.

Gingiva

Gum tissue that surrounds the teeth.

Dentine

The main part of a tooth.

Amylase

An enzyme in saliva that begins the digestion of carbohydrates.

Pharynx

The passage that food travels through after swallowing.

Esophagus

A 25 cm tube that transports food from the throat to the stomach.

Peristalsis

The squeezing action that moves food through the esophagus.

Sphincter

A muscle at the end of the stomach that controls food entering the intestine.

Pepsin

An enzyme produced by chief cells in the stomach that begins protein digestion.

Hydrochloric Acid

A strong acid produced by parietal cells that helps digest food and kill bacteria.

Rugae

Small folds in the stomach lining that allow for expansion.

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine where digestion continues.

Jejunum

The middle section of the small intestine, involved in further digestion and nutrient absorption.

Ileum

The largest part of the small intestine, with modifications for digestion and absorption.

Plicae Circulares

Circular folds in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

Villi

Finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase absorption.

Microvilli

Tiny hair-like structures on the surface of intestinal cells that aid in absorption.

Malatase

An enzyme that breaks down maltose into glucose.

Sucrase

An enzyme that breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose.

Lactase

An enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.

Peptidases

Enzymes that break down proteins into amino acids.

Cecum

The first part of the large intestine.

Colon

The major part of the large intestine, involved in water absorption and waste formation.

Rectum

The final section of the large intestine, leading to the anus.

Anus

The opening through which waste is expelled from the body.

Liver

An organ that produces bile, essential for fat digestion.

Pancreas

An organ that produces pancreatic juices and enzymes for digestion.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

Alimentary Canal

The entire digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.

Meiosis

The process of cell division that results in gametes with half the chromosome number.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that are produced through meiosis.

Cryptorchidism

A condition where one or both of the testes do not descend into the scrotum.

Testes

The male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production through mitosis and meiosis.

Spermatogonia

Stem cells that undergo mitosis to begin the process of spermatogenesis.

Primary Spermatocyte

A diploid cell that results from the mitosis of spermatogonia.

Secondary Spermatocyte

A haploid cell that results from the first meiotic division of the primary spermatocyte.

Spermatid

The result of the second meiotic division, which later matures into a spermatozoon.

Spermatozoa

Mature sperm cells that are capable of fertilization.

Copulation

The act of mating or sexual intercourse.

Corpora Cavernosa

The two dorsal bodies of erectile tissue in the penis.

Corpus Spongiosum

The ventral spongy tissue that surrounds the urethra in the penis.

Glans

The sensitive tip of the penis, also known as the head.

Acrosome

The cap-like structure on the head of a sperm that contains enzymes to penetrate the egg.

Ejaculation

The discharge of semen from the male reproductive system.

Semen

The fluid containing sperm and secretions from the male reproductive system.

Hormones Affecting Hunger

Various hormones, such as glucagon and leptin, regulate appetite and hunger signals.

Psychological Factors of Hunger

Non-physical influences that can trigger feelings of hunger, such as sight and smell of food.

Nutrient Layers in Blood

Levels of nutrients in the blood that signal hunger or satiety.

Stress

A psychological state that can influence appetite and food intake.

Taste Buds

Sensory organs on the tongue responsible for the sense of taste.

Papillae

Rough surfaces on the tongue that contain taste buds.

Incisors

Front teeth, chisel-shaped and used for cutting.

Canines

Pointed teeth, also known as eye teeth, used for ripping and tearing.

Premolars (Bicuspids)

Teeth with broad crowns used for grinding and crushing.

Molars (Tricuspids)

Teeth with multiple cusps used for grinding food.

Enamel

The outer covering of a tooth, hardest substance in the body.

Vaginalis

One of the coverings of the testes.

Albuginea

The fibrous covering that surrounds the testes.

Leydig Cells

Cells in the testes that produce testosterone.

Hormonal Responses in Reproduction

Hormones that regulate reproductive functions and behaviors.

Testicular Descent

The process by which the testes descend into the scrotum prior to birth.

Scrotum

The pouch of skin containing the testes.

Seminal Vesicles

Glands that produce fluid that nourishes and helps transport sperm.

Prostate Gland

Gland that produces fluid that protects and energizes sperm.

Bulbourethral Glands

Glands that produce a pre-ejaculate fluid that lubricates the urethra.