Gastrointestinal System

The gastrointestinal system __ food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates body wastes.

digests and transports

The gastrointestinal tract begins with a long muscular tube from the mouth, __, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.

esophagus

The first stage of digestion occurs in the __, which is also known as the buccal cavity.

mouth

The __ contains taste buds and helps in tasting food.

tongue

__ breaks down food so it can be swallowed easily.

Teeth

The __ produces saliva, which lubricates the mouth for easier swallowing.

salivary glands

The roof of the mouth that separates the mouth and nasal cavity is known as the __.

hard palate

The __ prevents food from entering the lungs during swallowing.

uvula

The __, or throat, is where food is mixed with saliva and formed into a bolus.

pharynx

The __ carries the bolus to the stomach.

esophagus

Chemical digestion begins in the __, which can hold food for 1-4 hours.

stomach

The structure located between the esophagus and stomach is called the __ sphincter.

cardiac

The semisolid material in the stomach is referred to as __.

chyme

Gastric juices in the stomach contain HCl that kills pathogens and activates __.

pepsin

The small intestine consists of three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and __.

ileum

The __ is the first part of the small intestine, which digests food coming from the stomach.

duodenum

The middle part of the small intestine is known as the __.

jejunum

The __ connects to the cecum, the first part of the large intestine.

ileum

The __ is connected to the ileum of the small intestine.

cecum

The ascending colon extends from the cecum to the __ part of the intestine.

lower

The __ colon is located across the intestine.

transverse

The __ colon extends from the transverse colon to the anus.

descending

The __ is a small pouch with an unknown function that can be removed if necessary.

appendix

The __ is located below the diaphragm and has several functions related to blood sugar and protein control.

liver

The liver produces __, which is carried to the small intestine to aid in digestion.

bile

The __ is a small muscular sac that stores bile before it is released into the small intestine.

gallbladder

The __ is located behind the stomach and produces digestive enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin.

pancreas

Aging in the digestive system can lead to a decrease in __ and digestive enzymes.

taste buds

Aging is also associated with the slowing of __, which affects movement through the intestines.

peristalsis

Diverticulosis is the formation of __ in the descending colon and has few symptoms.

diverticula

The inflammation of diverticula is known as __.

diverticulitis

Treatment for uncomplicated diverticulitis may include a __ diet.

liquid

Helicobacter Pylori infection can lead to chronic __ of the stomach lining.

inflammation

Symptoms of an anal fissure include pain during bowel movements and __ on stool and toilet paper.

blood

Increased __ and fluid intake can help heal an anal fissure.

fiber

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when acid from the stomach flows back into the __.

esophagus

In __, the immune system reacts to gluten, damaging the small intestine lining.

Celiac disease

Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract seen in Crohn's Disease may lead to __ and pain.

diarrhea

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the __ and rectum.

colon

Gallstones can form from excess bile and __ in the gallbladder.

cholesterol

Irritable Bowel Syndrome may present with cramps or abdominal pain and __ changes.

stool

The main treatment for pancreatitis focuses on diet modifications and fluid __.

intake