Digestive System Flashcards

Flashcards about the digestive system, its processes, components, accessory organs, and health issues.

Digestive System

Breaks down food into dissolved nutrients that are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells throughout the body.

Ingestion

When food is taken in through the mouth.

Digestion

Process where large food molecules are broken down into smaller soluble food molecules which are transported in the bloodstream.

Mechanical Digestion

Occurs when food is broken down by physical means; occurs in your mouth and stomach.

Chemical Digestion

Occurs when digestive enzymes break down pieces of food; occurs in the mouth, stomach, and small intestines.

Absorption

Movement of digested, soluble food molecules through the wall of the digestive system into the bloodstream.

Egestion

When undigested particles pass through the digestive tract as feces through the anus.

Mouth

Opening on the outside where food enters the digestive tract; contains mainly teeth, tongue, and salivary glands.

Esophagus

Long duct where peristalsis takes place.

Stomach

Contains gastric juice with hydrochloric acid and enzymes to help further break down food.

Small Intestine

About 6m long; major part of the digestive system where food is further broken down and absorbed.

Duodenum

Part of the small intestine where food is further digested.

Jejunum

Part of the small intestine where food is absorbed.

Ileum

Connects the small intestine to the large intestine.

Large Intestine

About 1.5m long and 70mm wide; divided into the cecum, colon, and rectum.

Cecum

Where the large and small intestine meet.

Colon

Main part of the large intestine.

Rectum

Last part of the large intestine extending to the anus.

Liver

Produces bile that helps digest fatty food.

Gallbladder

Where bile is temporarily stored.

Pancreas

Leaf-like structure with digestive enzymes that break down starch, carbohydrates, fats, oils, and protein.

Ulcers

Sores in the skin or the mucous membrane in the intestine.

Anorexia Nervosa

Eating disorder where one starves themselves or exercises excessively.

Diarrhea

Condition where a person has more than three bowel movements or watery stool per day.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver disease where liver tissue is replaced by abnormal connective tissue.

Pancreatic juices

What is decreased by the pancreas

Gastric juice

Juices that are secreted by the stomach