ANAT 1052 – Learning Objectives Workbook

A comprehensive set of flashcards designed to aid in the understanding and memorization of key concepts related to anatomy and physiology covered in ANAT 1052.

Digestive Tract

The long tube extending from the mouth to the anus through which food passes during digestion.

Main organs of the digestive system

Includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.

Accessory organs of the digestive system

Includes the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and salivary glands.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into smaller components that can be absorbed.

Absorption

The process by which nutrients from digested food are taken up into the bloodstream.

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that convert food into energy.

Lumen

The inner open space of the digestive tract through which food passes.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the digestive tract which contains cells that secrete mucus.

Submucosa

A layer of connective tissue containing blood vessels, nerves, and glands.

Muscularis

The layer of muscle in the digestive tract that contracts to move food along.

Serosa

The outermost layer of the digestive tract, a membrane that protects and secretes fluid.

Peritoneum

A membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers abdominal organs.

Mesentery

A fold of tissue that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall.

Peristalsis

The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Segmentation

The process of mixing food with digestive juices in the small intestine.

Mouth

The opening through which food enters the digestive system.

Hard palate

The bony front part of the roof of the mouth.

Soft palate

The soft rear portion of the roof of the mouth.

Uvula

The small fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate.

Tongue

A muscular organ in the mouth that aids in tasting, chewing, and swallowing.

Incisors

The front teeth used for cutting food.

Canines

The pointed teeth located next to incisors, used for tearing food.

Premolars

The flat-topped teeth used for grinding food.

Molars

The back teeth designed for crushing and grinding food.

Mastication

The process of chewing food.

Salivary glands

Glands that produce saliva to aid in digestion.

Pharynx

The muscular tube that connects the mouth to the esophagus.

Esophagus

The tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.

Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe while swallowing.

Esophageal hiatus

An opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes.

Lower esophageal sphincter

A muscle at the lower end of the esophagus that controls the flow of food into the stomach.

Stomach

The organ where food is mixed with gastric juices.

Fundus

The upper part of the stomach that expands to accommodate food.

Pylorus

The lower part of the stomach that connects to the small intestine.

Pyloric sphincter

A band of muscle that regulates the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

Greater curvature

The larger arc of the stomach's outline.

Lesser curvature

The smaller arc of the stomach's outline.

Muscle layers

The different layers of muscle that facilitate gastric movements.

Mucosa

The innermost membrane of the stomach that secretes gastric juices.

Rugae

Folds in the stomach lining that allow for expansion.

Peristalsis

Involuntary constriction and relaxation of muscles in the stomach.

Chyme

Semi-fluid mass of partially digested food that passes from the stomach to the small intestine.

Gastric glands

Cells in the stomach lining that secrete digestive enzymes and acids.

Small Intestine

The part of the digestive system where most digestion and absorption occurs.

Duodenum

The first section of the small intestine immediately following the stomach.

Jejunum

The middle section of the small intestine.

Ileum

The last section of the small intestine.

Plicae circulares

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

Intestinal villi

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

Microvilli

Tiny hair-like structures on the surface of intestinal villi.

Intestinal glands

Glands in the small intestine that secrete digestive enzymes.

Blood supply

The network of blood vessels that supplies the small intestine.

Lacteals

Lymphatic vessels in the small intestine that absorb fats.

Ileo-cecal valve

A valve located between the small intestine and the colon.

Liver

The organ that produces bile and processes nutrients from the digestive tract.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

Hepatic duct

The duct that drains bile from the liver.

Cystic duct

The duct through which bile flows from the gallbladder.

Common bile duct

The duct that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine.

Nature of bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps emulsify fats.

Bile production

The process by which the liver synthesizes bile.

Pancreas

An organ that produces insulin and digestive enzymes.

Exocrine portion of the pancreas

Part of the pancreas that secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine.

Endocrine portion of the pancreas

Part of the pancreas that produces hormones such as insulin.

Pancreatic duct

The duct that carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine.

Common bile duct relationship

The connection between the pancreatic duct and the common bile duct.

Large intestine

The part of the digestive system that absorbs water and forms feces.

Ileo-cecal valve

Valves regulating passage from the small to the large intestine.

Cecum

The first part of the large intestine.

Appendix

A small, tube-like appendage attached to the cecum.

Colon

The longest section of the large intestine; absorbs water and salts.

Descending colon

Part of the colon that goes down the left side of the abdomen.

Sigmoid colon

The last part of the colon leading into the rectum.

Rectum

The final section of the large intestine, where feces is stored.

Anus

The opening at the end of the digestive tract.

Anal sphincters

Muscles that control the expulsion of feces.

Teniae coli

Three longitudinal bands of muscle in the colon.

Haustra

Pouches formed by the teniae coli in the large intestine.

Digestion of food

The process of breaking down food into absorbable components.

Absorption of food

The uptake of nutrients from food into the bloodstream.

Blood supply of the large intestine

The vascular network providing blood to the large intestine.

Peritoneum location

The location of the peritoneum is within the abdominal cavity.

Peritoneum structure

A double-layered membrane that supports the abdominal organs.

Peritoneum function

Protects and supports abdominal organs and provides a cavity for movement.

Mesentery location

Connects intestines to the posterior abdominal wall.

Mesentery structure

A fold of peritoneum that attaches to the intestines.

Mesentery function

Supports blood vessels and nerves supplying the intestines.

Greater omentum location

Hangs down from the stomach over the intestines.

Greater omentum structure

A fold of peritoneum containing fat and immune cells.

Greater omentum function

Insulates and protects abdominal organs, and stores fat.

Nervous System function

The overall function is to coordinate bodily functions and respond to internal and external stimuli.

Nervous Tissue structure

Includes neurons and neuroglia.

Nervous Tissue functions

Responsible for transmitting signals and processing information.

Organs of the nervous system

Includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects the CNS to limbs and organs.

Sensory fibers

Nerves that carry information from sensory receptors to the CNS.

Motor fibers

Nerves that transmit signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Somatic nervous system

The part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements.

Autonomic nervous system

The part of the PNS that controls involuntary actions.