Chapter 26 Digestive System Exam Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular secretions, GI tract structures, divisions, wall layers, organ functions, and pathologies from Chapter 26 Digestive System.

Chief cells

Gastric gland cells of the stomach that secrete enzymes of gastric juice.

Parietal cells

Gastric gland cells of the stomach that secrete hydrochloric acid and are thought to produce intrinsic factor needed for vitamin B12 absorption.

Endocrine cells (Stomach)

Stomach cells that secrete gastrin and ghrelin.

Acinar units

Exocrine pancreatic units that secrete digestive enzymes.

Beta cells

Pancreatic islet cells that secrete insulin.

Alpha cells

Pancreatic islet cells that secrete glucagon.

Duodenum

Uppermost division of the small intestine; about 25 cm long and C-shaped.

Jejunum

Middle division of the small intestine; about 2.5 m long.

Ileum

Terminal division of the small intestine; about 3.5 m long.

Villi

Important modifications of the small intestine mucosa associated with absorption.

Cecum

First major division of the large intestine that communicates with the vermiform appendix.

Colon

Large intestine division consisting of ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid portions.

Rectum

Last 7-8 inches of the intestinal tube, where the terminal inch is the anal canal opening at the anus.

Mucosa

Inner layer of the GI tract wall containing mucous epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae.

Submucosa

Layer of the GI tract wall containing numerous glands, blood vessels, and parasympathetic nerves.

Muscularis

Thick muscle layer wrapping around the submucosa of the GI tract wall.

Serosa

Outermost layer of the GI tract wall made of serous membrane, continuous with a mesentery.

Esophagus

Tube extending from the pharynx to the stomach, described as the first segment of the digestive tube and lined with stratified squamous epithelium.

Gallbladder

Organ that stores bile, concentrates bile fivefold to tenfold, and ejects concentrated bile into the duodenum.

Vermiform appendix

Accessory organ of the digestive system that is about 8-10 cm long, communicates with the cecum, and functions as a reservoir for beneficial gut bacteria.

Ankyloglossia

Mouth disorder characterized by an abnormally short lingual frenulum.

Sjögren syndrome

Autoimmune disease causing destruction of salivary and tear glands.

Mumps

Acute viral disease with swelling and inflammation of the parotid gland (parotitis).

Gingivitis

Inflammation or infection of gums, with most cases linked to poor oral hygiene.

Periodontitis

Inflammation of the periodontal membrane/ligament anchoring tooth to jaw bone.

Leukoplakia

Precancerous mucosal change with thickened, white, slightly raised patches.

Malocclusion

Incorrect alignment of maxillary and mandibular dental arches due to spacing, overlap, or malposition.

GERD

Backward flow of stomach acid into esophagus causing heartburn with burning and pressure behind the breastbone.

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of stomach (gastritis) and intestine (enteritis).

Anorexia

Chronic loss of appetite.

Nausea

Unpleasant feeling that often leads to vomiting.

Emesis

Vomiting.

Malabsorption syndrome

Group of symptoms caused by failure of the small intestine to absorb nutrients properly.

Diverticulosis

Presence of abnormal saclike outpouchings called diverticula.

Diverticulitis

Condition characterized by pain, tenderness, and fever.

Colitis

Intestinal disorder marked by diarrhea and abdominal cramps or constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Common chronic noninflammatory condition often caused by stress.

Colorectal cancer

Malignancy, usually adenocarcinoma, of the colon or rectum.

Hemorrhoids

Dilated veins associated with irritation or increased venous pressure that may accompany pregnancy or constipation/straining.

Proctitis

Inflammation of rectal mucosa; common cause of rectal bleeding.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of liver characterized by jaundice, liver enlargement, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, gray-white feces, and dark urine.

Cirrhosis

Degenerative liver condition that may follow hepatitis, chronic alcohol abuse, malnutrition, infection, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.