Digestive System - Small and Large Intestine

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts related to the digestive system, focusing on the anatomy and function of the small and large intestines.

Esophagus

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

Diaphragm

A muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and aids in breathing.

Intestines

The part of the digestive system where most of the digestion and absorption of food occurs.

Liver

An organ that processes nutrients, produces bile, and detoxifies harmful substances.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine.

Pancreas

An organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin.

Cecum

The beginning of the large intestine, which is connected to the ileum.

Duodenum

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

Jejunum

The middle section of the small intestine where nutrient absorption occurs.

Ileum

The final section of the small intestine, connecting to the large intestine.

Pylorus

The opening from the stomach into the duodenum.

Microvilli

Small projections on the surface of enterocytes that increase absorptive surface area.

Villi

Finger-like projections in the intestinal lining that facilitate nutrient absorption.

Circular folds

Folds in the small intestine that slow down the movement of chyme and increase nutrient contact.

Enterocytes

Absorptive cells in the intestinal lining responsible for nutrient absorption.

Goblet cells

Cells that secrete mucus in the intestinal lining.

Lacteals

Lymphatic vessels in the villi that absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

Brush border enzymes

Enzymes present on the microvilli that aid in the final stages of digestion.

Contact digestion

Digestion that occurs when chyme comes in contact with brush border enzymes.

Macronutrients

Nutrients needed in large amounts, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals needed in small amounts for proper body function.

Amylase

An enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into sugars.

Protease

An enzyme that breaks down proteins into peptides and amino acids.

Lipase

An enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Chylomicron

A type of lipoprotein that transports dietary lipids from the intestines to other parts of the body.

Smooth muscle

Muscle found in the walls of hollow organs, responsible for involuntary movements.

Segmentation

A type of intestinal motility that mixes chyme in the small intestine.

Peristalsis

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

Ileocecal valve

The valve that regulates the flow of material from the ileum to the cecum.

Vascular

Relating to blood vessels, indicating a rich blood supply.

Absorption

The process by which nutrients are taken up by the cells of the intestine.

Digestion

The breakdown of food into smaller components for absorption.

Bacterial flora

The community of microorganisms residing in the large intestine.

Gut microbiota

The microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, playing a role in digestion.

Feces

Waste matter eliminated from the digestive tract.

Rectal valve

Structures that allow retention of gas while defecation occurs.

Anal canal

The terminal end of the intestinal tract leading to the anus.

Sphincter

A circular muscle that constricts to regulate the passage of substances.

Nutrient assimilation

The process by which the body incorporates nutrients from digested food.

Chyme

Partially digested food and digestive juices in the stomach and small intestine.

Mucosal surface

The inner lining of the intestine that absorbs nutrients.

Epithelial cells

Cells that line the surfaces of organs and structures, including the intestines.

Desmosome

A type of junction that mechanically links cells together.

Lacteal

A lymphatic vessel that absorbs dietary fats in the small intestine.

Simple columnar epithelium

A type of tissue that lines the digestive tract and is involved in absorption.

Increased pH

A change in acidity that neutralizes stomach acid in the duodenum.

Fermentation

The breakdown of carbohydrates by bacteria in the large intestine.

Appendix

A small organ connected to the cecum, with immune functions.

Fecal matter

Matter expelled from the digestive tract during defecation.

Hydrolysis

The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.

Enteroendocrine cells

Cells that release hormones involved in the digestive process.

Solvent drag

The movement of substances across the intestinal wall driven by water flow.

Tight junctions

Structures that prevent leakage of substances between cells.