Upper Gastrointestinal Structures and Monogastric Stomach

Flashcards about the structures and functions of the upper gastrointestinal system and the monogastric stomach.

GIT

Gastrointestinal Tract; includes all structures from mouth to anus.

Peristalsis

Wavelike smooth muscle contractions that move food in one direction through the digestive tract.

Segmentation

Squeezing smooth muscle contractions that mix food in the digestive tract.

Mastication

The process of chewing food into smaller pieces.

Bolus

The mass of chewed food that is swallowed.

Salivary glands

Glands that produce saliva to aid in digestion.

Rugae

The inner folds of the stomach that allow for expansion.

Chyme

Semi-liquid material released from the stomach into the small intestine.

Cardiac sphincter

Muscle that prevents reflux by closing the entrance to the stomach.

Duodenum

The first section of the small intestine where chemical digestion occurs.