Notes - Digestive System Key

Teeth

Chew food to make it easy to swallow.

Tongue

Moves food around the mouth into the esophagus.

Esophagus

Muscles squeeze the food down toward your stomach.

Digestive system

Nearly 30 feet long in order to digest and absorb food.

Bacteria in gut

About 8 lbs of bacteria (approximately a gallon).

Incisors

Teeth that cut food.

Canines

Teeth that tear food.

Molars

Teeth that crush food.

Peristalsis

Involuntary muscle movements that push food and waste through the digestive tract.

Stomach

Expands and contracts to hold food and breaks it into small pieces.

Stomach muscles

Located in the stomach wall, these muscles help to break up food.

Gastric juices

Substances produced by the stomach lining that help break down food and kill bacteria.

Sphincter

Round muscle that controls the flow of food/waste in the digestive tract.

Small intestine

Further breaks down food received from the stomach for nutrient absorption.

Pancreas

Produces juices that help digest fats and proteins.

Insulin

Hormone produced by the pancreas involved in glucose metabolism.

Enzyme

A protein that accelerates chemical reactions, including digestion.

Glucose

A simple sugar obtained from plants through photosynthesis.

Bile

Fluid produced by the liver that helps absorb fats.

Gallbladder

Stores extra bile for later use.

Liver functions

Includes detoxifying blood, producing bile, and storing glucose as glycogen.

Alimentary canal

The food tube from mouth to anus, does not include gallbladder, liver, or pancreas.

Large intestine

Removes parts of liquid food from the small intestine that cannot be used by the body.

Colon

Absorbs remaining water and minerals from liquid food.

Rectum

Stores solid waste until it is expelled.

Digestive system processes

Breaks down food into small molecules and absorbs them into the body.

Saliva

Contains an enzyme named amylase that breaks starch into glucose.

Common Ailments

Includes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease.

GERD

Chronic disease that causes acid to enter the esophagus, leading to heartburn.

Ulcers

Holes in the stomach lining that cause bleeding, often linked to various risk factors.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Group of disorders causing inflammation in the intestines.

Constipation

Difficulty in having bowel movements, often related to diet and liquid intake.

Diarrhea

Condition of loose, watery stools, often due to infections or intolerances.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A disorder affecting the large intestine, characterized by cramping and changes in bowel habits.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by infections or alcohol.

Hepatitis A

Common type of hepatitis, often transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Hepatitis B

Most widespread type of hepatitis, transmitted through blood and sexual contact.

Hepatitis C

Common cause of chronic liver disease, transmitted by blood.

Stomach Cancer

Cancer starting in any area of the stomach, often producing symptoms like nausea and pain.

Liver Cancer

Cancer originating in the liver or spreading there from other areas.

Pancreatic Cancer

Most common type is adenocarcinoma, primarily impacting individuals over 50.

Cancer treatments

Including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Tumor

A mass formed by dividing cancer cells.

Chronic disease

A long-lasting or recurrent condition.

Acute disease

A condition that comes on suddenly and is intense.

Digestive tract

The pathway food takes from mouth to anus.

Nutrients

Substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.

Fiber

Plant-based carbohydrate that aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.

Bowel movements

The process of expelling feces from the digestive tract.

Bloating

A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.

Bloodstream

System of blood vessels through which blood circulates in the body.

Mucus

Substance that protects the stomach lining from acid.

Pain

Physical discomfort resulting from injury or illness.

Heartburn

A burning sensation in the chest, often associated with acid reflux.

Symptoms

Physical or mental features indicating a condition or disease.

Diagnosis

The identification of the nature of an illness or condition.

Treatment

Management and care of a patient to combat disease or illness.

Recovery

The process of returning to a normal state of health.

Prevention

Actions taken to avoid disease or injury.

Lifestyle changes

Modifications to habits and behaviors that improve health.

Glycogen

A form of stored glucose in the liver and muscles.