Digestive System Overview

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the digestive system as outlined in the lecture notes.

Alimentary Canal

The continuous tube through which food passes, including organs like the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Accessory Organs

Organs that assist in digestion but are not part of the alimentary canal, such as the pancreas and liver.

Mastication

The process of chewing food to break it down into smaller pieces.

Deglutition

The act of swallowing food and liquids.

Peristalsis

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

Gastric Juice

A digestive fluid composed of hydrochloric acid, pepsinogen, intrinsic factor, and mucus secreted by the stomach.

Zymogen

An inactive form of an enzyme that requires a biochemical change to become active.

Chyme

The semi-fluid mass of partially digested food that moves from the stomach to the small intestine.

Pancreatic Islet

Clusters of cells in the pancreas that secrete hormones like insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver, which helps in fat digestion.

Micelle

A spherical structure formed by bile salts that allow for the emulsification and absorption of lipids.

Villi

Small, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.

Brush Border Enzymes

Enzymes located on the microvilli of the intestinal lining that help digest nutrients.

Secretin

A hormone that stimulates the release of bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juices to neutralize stomach acid.

Cholecystokinin

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

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus causing heartburn.

Diabetes Mellitus

A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance or lack of insulin production.