Lab 10: The Digestive System Overview

Digestion

Process of breaking down food into nutrients.

Mechanical Digestion

Physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces.

Chemical Digestion

Enzymatic breakdown of food into chemical units.

Alimentary Canal

Complete digestive tract in vertebrates.

Amoebocytes

Cells in sponges that digest food intracellularly.

Endocytosis

Process of engulfing substances into cells.

Phagocytosis

Endocytosis of solid particles.

Pinocytosis

Endocytosis of liquid substances.

Gastrovascular Cavity

Digestive cavity in simpler invertebrates.

Extracellular Digestion

Digestion occurring outside cells in a cavity.

Peristalsis

Wave-like muscle contractions moving food through tracts.

Salivary Glands

Glands secreting saliva for digestion in the mouth.

Amylase

Enzyme in saliva for carbohydrate digestion.

Bolus

Chewed food mixed with saliva ready for swallowing.

Pharynx

Common passage for food and air.

Epiglottis

Flap preventing food from entering the airway.

Gastric Juice

Digestive fluid in the stomach containing HCl.

Pepsinogen

Inactive enzyme converted to pepsin in stomach.

Duodenum

First section of the small intestine.

Bile

Substance produced by liver for fat emulsification.

Pancreatic Juice

Fluid containing enzymes for digestion in small intestine.

Villi

Finger-like projections in the small intestine for absorption.

Cecum

Pouch receiving contents from the ileum.

Rectum

Final section of large intestine storing feces.

Anus

Opening controlling feces elimination.