digestive system part III

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and their definitions related to the digestive system.

Pancreas

A retroperitoneal organ that lies posterior to the stomach, which has regions including the head, body, and tail.

Pancreatic duct

The duct that delivers pancreatic secretions to the duodenum.

Acinar cells

Cells in the pancreas that secrete pancreatic juice.

Proteolytic enzymes

Enzymes that break down proteins and are secreted as inactive proenzymes.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps emulsify fats.

Hepatic portal vein

The vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.

Gastrin

A hormone secreted by G cells in the duodenum that promotes stomach motility and enzyme production.

Secretin

A hormone released in response to chyme in the duodenum that increases pancreatic secretions and bile release.

Ileocecal valve

A sphincter that controls the flow of material from the ileum into the cecum of the large intestine.

Haustra

Pouches in the wall of the colon that allow for expansion and elongation.

Microbiome

Microorganisms that live in the human body, playing a role in the digestion and production of vitamins.

Vitamin K

A fat-soluble vitamin required for the synthesis of clotting factors.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

A hormone that stimulates the contraction of the gallbladder and the secretion of digestive enzymes.

Gallbladder

A muscular sac that stores and concentrates bile.

Digestion

The process of breaking down nutrients into smaller molecules.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, including the digestion of food.

Absorption

The process by which nutrients from digested food are taken into the body.

Emulsification

The breakdown of lipid droplets into smaller droplets to increase the surface area for enzymatic action.