Digestive System Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the digestive system, its organs, and processes vital for digestion and absorption.

Digestive System

Consists of the digestive tract and accessory organs.

Alimentary Canal

The tube from mouth to anus comprising the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Accessory Organs

Include salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, which secrete substances into the digestive tract.

Ingestion

The process of taking in food through the mouth.

Mastication

The process of chewing food.

Peristalsis

Involuntary muscle contractions that move contents through the digestive tract.

Salivary Glands

Glands that produce saliva, which begins the digestive process.

Bolus

A mass of chewed food that is ready to be swallowed.

Chyme

The semi-fluid mass of partly digested food that passes into the small intestine.

Esophagus

The tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the alimentary canal, responsible for secretion and absorption.

Submucosa

Connective tissue layer containing blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves.

Muscularis

Layer of muscle that aids in peristalsis and segmentation.

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine where most chemical digestion occurs.

Villi

Small projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

Liver

Organ that produces bile, processes nutrients, and detoxifies substances.

Gallbladder

Saclike structure that stores and concentrates bile.

Pancreas

Organ that produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate.

Gastrin

A hormone that stimulates secretion of gastric acid in the stomach.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Hormone that stimulates gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme secretion.

Haustrum

Pouches in the large intestine that aid in the movement of feces.