Human Digestive System Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, nutrient types, digestive enzymes, organs, and digestive health issues from Chapter 14.

Digestion

The process by which large and complex nutrient molecules are broken down into small, simpler molecules that can be absorbed by body cells.

Glucose

A simple sugar (monosaccharide) that serves as an immediate source of energy for cellular processes.

Starch

A complex carbohydrate (polysaccharide) made up of many glucose molecules linked together, serving as a long-term energy source.

Protein

A large molecule composed of chains of amino acids, essential for cell growth, tissue repair, and forming enzymes.

Lipid

A large insoluble molecule made of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules that provides twice as much energy as carbohydrates.

Physical Digestion

The process of mechanically breaking down food into smaller pieces, such as chewing in the mouth, churning in the stomach, and emulsification of lipids by bile.

Chemical Digestion

The process of using enzymes to break down large, complex nutrient molecules into small, simpler molecules.

Peristalsis

The rhythmic muscular contraction and relaxation along the alimentary canal that moves food or faeces forward and mixes food with digestive juices.

Enzymes

Specialized protein catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions without being chemically changed at the end of the reaction.

Amylase

A digestive enzyme present in saliva and pancreatic juice that digests starch into maltose.

Maltase

A digestive enzyme in intestinal juice that digests maltose into glucose.

Protease

A digestive enzyme in gastric juice and pancreatic juice that digests proteins into partially digested polypeptides.

Peptidase

A digestive enzyme in intestinal juice that digests partially digested polypeptides into amino acids.

Lipase

A digestive enzyme in pancreatic and intestinal juices that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Bile

A yellowish-green fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder that emulsifies large lipid droplets into smaller droplets.

Gastric Juice

A fluid secreted by glands in the stomach wall containing proteases and hydrochloric acid.

Villi

Tiny, finger-like projections covering the inner surface of the small intestine that increase surface area for rapid nutrient absorption.

Egestion

The process of expelling undigested waste (faeces) from the body through the anus.

Gastritis

The painful swelling or inflammation of the stomach lining, often causing upper abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating.