The Human Digestive System

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the components, processes, and functions of the human digestive system based on lecture notes.

Daily Saliva Production

An average person produces about $1$ to $1.5\,liters$ of saliva per day.

Digestive System

The system in the human body that processes food and liquids, consisting of the digestive tract and accessory organs.

Ingestion

The first stage of the digestive process involving the taking in of food.

Digestion

The breakdown of complex food substance into soluble food substance.

Absorption

The process where digested food diffuses into the bloodstream.

Assimilation

The transport and use of absorbed food by body cells.

Egestion

The removal of undigested food from the body.

Mechanical Digestion (Mouth)

The process where teeth break down large food pieces into smaller ones.

Chemical Digestion (Mouth)

The process where saliva initiates digestion by breaking down starch into sugar.

Oesophagus

An organ that facilitates the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach without secreting digestive enzymes.

Stomach

A hollow muscular organ that stores food, performs mechanical and chemical digestion via acids and enzymes, and empties into the small intestine.

Pancreas

An organ located behind the stomach that produces enzymes to break down sugars, fats, proteins, and starches.

Pancreatic Enzymes

The three types of enzymes released by the pancreas: AMYLASE, PROTEASE (TRYPSIN), and LIPASE.

Liver

The largest organ in the body; it produces bile, processes toxins, maintains blood sugar levels, and creates substances for blood clotting.

Bile

A sticky, yellow-green digestive fluid that breaks down large droplets of fats into smaller droplets.

Gallbladder

A small, pear-shaped organ beneath the liver that stores bile and releases it into the duodenum.

Small Intestine

The organ responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Large Intestine (Colon)

The organ following the small intestine that absorbs water and electrolytes, forms stool, and facilitates bacterial fermentation.

Rectum

A reservoir that connects the large intestine to the anus where stool accumulates before elimination.

Anus

The exit point for food waste facilitated by muscles, nerves, and mucous membranes.