Digestive Systems II

A set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts related to the digestive system as taught in BIO 203 Cellular and Organ Physiology.

Gastric glands

Glands in the stomach that have both endocrine and exocrine functions, secreting mucus, bicarbonate, HCl, and pepsinogen.

Pepsinogen

An inactive zymogen form of pepsin that is converted into active pepsin in the stomach.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

A strong acid secreted by parietal cells, important for protein digestion and killing microbes.

Bile

A complex solution containing bile salts that emulsifies fats and aids in lipid digestion in the small intestine.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

A peptide hormone secreted by the duodenum that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes and bile.

Gastrin

A peptide hormone secreted by G cells in the stomach that stimulates acid secretion and protein digestion.

Secretin

A hormone secreted by duodenal cells in response to low pH, stimulating bicarbonate secretion to neutralize stomach acid.

Villi

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

Micelles

Small aggregates of fatty acids and bile salts that facilitate the absorption of lipids in the small intestine.

Hepatic portal system

A blood vessel system that carries absorbed nutrients from the intestines to the liver.

Exocrine pancreas

Part of the pancreas that secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the duodenum.

Peptic ulcer disease

A condition characterized by sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the duodenum.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

A digestive disorder where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and potential damage.

Microvilli

Microscopic cellular projections on epithelial cells in the intestine that further increase surface area for absorption.

Absorption of carbohydrates

The process by which monosaccharides are absorbed into the bloodstream via epithelial cells in the small intestine.