Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Digestive System

These flashcards cover key anatomical terms and concepts related to the human digestive system, including structures, functions, and their relationships.

Oral Cavity

The space in the mouth bounded by the cheeks, lips, and palate.

Palate

The structure that forms the roof of the oral cavity, consisting of hard and soft sections.

Frenulum

A median mucosal fold connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

Sublingual Fold

A fold of tissue that contains the sublingual salivary glands.

Sublingual Papilla

The anatomical structure showing the opening of the submandibular duct.

Vestibule

The space between the cheeks and the gums in the oral cavity.

Floor of Mouth

The area bounded by mucous membrane between the oral cavity and the submandibular glands.

Tensor Palati

A muscle that tenses the soft palate, innervated by the mandibular nerve.

Levator Palati

Muscle responsible for elevating the soft palate, innervated by the cranial accessory nerve through vagus.

Palatoglossus

A muscle that elevates the root of the tongue, originating from the palatine aponeurosis.

Palatopharyngeus

A muscle that elevates the larynx, inserting from the thyroid cartilage.

Hard Palate

The bony anterior portion of the palate, consisting of the maxilla and palatine bones.

Soft Palate

The muscular posterior part of the palate that closes off the nasopharynx during swallowing.

Greater Palatine Foramen

Foramen that transmits the greater palatine nerve and vessels.

Lesser Palatine Foramen

Foramen that transmits the lesser palatine nerve and vessels.

Lingual Nerve

A branch of the mandibular nerve that provides sensation to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.

Hypoglossal Nerve

Cranial nerve XII, responsible for motor function of most tongue muscles.

Sublingual Gland

Salivary gland located beneath the tongue, associated with the sublingual fold.

Submandibular Gland

Salivary gland located beneath the jaw, draining into the mouth via the submandibular duct.

Parotid Gland

The largest salivary gland, located in front of the ear and producing a serous secretion.

Celiac Trunk

A major artery that supplies blood to the stomach, liver, spleen, and parts of the intestines.

Superior Mesenteric Artery

Supplies the midgut, including the small intestine and parts of the large intestine.

Inferior Mesenteric Artery

Supplies the hindgut, including the distal colon.

Portal Vein

Vein that carries blood from the gastrointestinal organs to the liver.

Appendix

A blind-ended tube attached to the cecum, often involved in appendicitis.

Cecum

The first part of the large intestine, where the small intestine connects.

Rectum

The final section of the large intestine, leading to the anal canal.

Anal Canal

The terminal part of the digestive tract, controlled by internal and external anal sphincter muscles.

Biliary System

The system of ducts that transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

Pancreas

A mixed gland that produces digestive enzymes and hormones.

Spleen

An organ involved in filtering blood and supporting the immune system.