Respiratory and Digestive System Test

Breathing

The process by which air is inhaled and exhaled, involving changes in air pressure inside the chest.

Diaphragm

The main muscle involved in breathing that contracts to enlarge the chest cavity during inhalation.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that assist in expanding and contracting the ribcage during breathing.

Amylase

An enzyme in saliva that starts breaking down carbohydrates, particularly starches.

Pepsin

An enzyme in the stomach that begins the digestion of proteins.

Bile

A fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats.

Peristalsis

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

Chyme

The semi-liquid mixture of food that leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Gas Exchange

The process where oxygen moves from the air into the blood, and carbon dioxide moves from the blood to be exhaled.

Boyle's Law

A gas law stating that an increase in volume leads to a decrease in pressure, and vice versa, critical for breathing.

Glycolysis

The first stage of cellular respiration, occurring in the cytoplasm, where glucose is split into pyruvate.

Krebs Cycle

The second stage of cellular respiration that occurs in the mitochondria and breaks down pyruvate to produce energy carriers.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

The final stage of cellular respiration occurring in the mitochondria, where most ATP is produced with oxygen as the final electron acceptor.

Nutrient Absorption

The process primarily occurring in the small intestine where nutrients from digested food are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Liver

An organ that produces bile necessary for fat digestion.

Pancreas

An organ that releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.

Gallbladder

An organ that stores bile from the liver until it is needed for fat digestion.

Large Intestine

The section of the digestive tract that absorbs water and electrolytes, forming solid waste.

Physical Digestion

The process of breaking food into smaller pieces without changing its chemical structure.

Chemical Digestion

The breakdown of food into simpler molecules by enzymes.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process that converts glucose into energy in the form of ATP.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in cells, produced during cellular respiration.

Vitamins and Minerals

Nutrients that support various body functions, such as immune system and bone health.

Carbohydrates

The main energy source for the body, broken down into glucose.

Proteins

Nutrients that help build and repair body tissues.

Lipids (Fats)

Nutrients that provide energy storage, insulation, and are integral to cell structure.

Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during breathing.

Accessory Muscles

Muscles in the neck and chest that assist with deep or labored breathing.

Oxygen

A gas that is essential for cellular respiration.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A waste product of cellular respiration that is expelled from the body during exhalation.

Chyme Formation

The mixing of food with stomach acids and enzymes to form a semi-liquid substance.

Main Site of Nutrient Absorption

The small intestine, where most nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Mitochondria

Organelles where the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain occur, producing ATP.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is a primary energy source for cells.

Nutrient Breakdown Locations

Carbohydrates in the mouth, proteins in the stomach, and lipids in the small intestine.

Energy Carriers

Molecules that store and transport energy within cells, produced during cellular respiration.

Digestive Process

The series of actions that the body undertakes to convert food into energy and nutrients.

Saliva

The fluid released in the mouth that contains enzymes for digestion.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that help balance fluids and are absorbed in the large intestine.

Nutritional Role of Carbohydrates

Provide energy primarily in the form of glucose for cellular processes.

Gaseous Exchange Mechanism

Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange driven by partial pressure gradients in the alveoli.

Energy Production Stages

The three stages of cellular respiration: glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain.