Anatomy and Histology of the Digestive System and Associated Glands

Vocabulary flashcards covering the peritoneal structures, mesenteries, exocrine salivary glands, pancreas, and tooth classifications based on digestive system anatomy and histology.

Intraperitoneal Organs

Organs that have visceral peritoneum covering the entire organ.

Retroperitoneal Organs

Organs that are not completely surrounded by visceral peritoneum.

Falciform Ligament

A mesentery that connects between the liver and the diaphragm.

Lesser Omentum

A mesentery located on the lesser curvature of the stomach.

Greater Omentum

A mesentery sitting below the stomach, located around the greater curvature of the stomach.

Mesentery Proper

A mesentery providing a connection between the small intestine and the back wall of the abdominal cavity.

Mesocolon

A mesentery providing a connection between the transverse colon and the back wall of the abdominal cavity.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that by definition secrete their products into a duct.

Acini

Clusters of cells (singular: acinus) in exocrine glands that under the microscope appear as pie-shaped groupings of cells around a central opening.

Parotid Gland

A salivary gland recognized by serous acini that secretes watery saliva high in amylase and possesses the longest salivary duct.

Stenson's Duct

The salivary duct of the parotid gland, which can be over $2$\,\text{inches} long and pierces the buccinator muscle before entering the oral cavity opposite the second molar.

Sublingual Glands

Salivary glands recognized by mucus acini that have the shortest ducts and secrete saliva containing mucus for lubrication.

Submandibular Gland

A salivary gland that contains both mucus and serous acini.

Mucus Acinus

An acinus (as seen in the sublingual gland) where the nuclei are flattened and pushed to the back of the secreting cells because the cells are filled with mucus secretion.

Serous Acinus

An acinus (as seen in the parotid gland) where the nuclei remain rounded in the center of the secreting cells.

Exocrine Duct Epithelium

Simple cuboidal or simple columnar epithelium that lines the ducts of exocrine glands.

Pancreatic Acinar Cells

Exocrine cells making up $99\%$ of the pancreas that produce digestive enzymes sent through the pancreatic duct to the duodenum.

Bicarbonate ($HCO_3$)

A chemical component contained in high amounts in pancreatic secretions to neutralize stomach acid.

Islets of Langerhans

Endocrine structures (pancreatic islets) embedded within the serous acini of the pancreas where insulin and glucagon are made.

Incisors

Teeth used for biting.

Canine Teeth

Teeth used for tearing.

Molars

Teeth used for grinding food.