Nutrition & Diet Therapy - Vocabulary Flashcards (Video Notes)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the Nutrition & Diet Therapy notes.

Nutrition

the study of food and how the body uses it to support growth, maintenance, and health.

Food

substances eaten to supply energy, nutrients, and pleasure; a major source for nourishment.

Nutrients

chemical substances in food that the body needs to function.

Hunger

the physiological need for food.

Appetite

the psychological desire for food based on memories and emotions.

Macronutrients

nutrients required in large amounts to provide energy and building blocks (carbohydrates, proteins, fats).

Micronutrients

nutrients required in smaller amounts (vitamins and minerals).

Carbohydrates

macronutrient that provides the body with its main source of energy.

Proteins

macronutrient used to build and repair body tissues and make enzymes and hormones.

Fats (Lipids)

macronutrient that provides concentrated energy and aids fat-soluble vitamin absorption.

Vitamins

organic micronutrients essential for metabolism and body functions.

Minerals

inorganic micronutrients required for structure and regulation of body processes.

Water

essential nutrient involved in hydration and many bodily processes.

Cell

the basic unit of life.

Cell membrane

the selectively permeable boundary of the cell made of phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins.

Phospholipid bilayer

the double-layered arrangement forming the structure of the cell membrane.

Cholesterol

a lipid in the cell membrane that helps modulate fluidity.

Integral proteins

membrane proteins embedded in the lipid bilayer that form channels or receptors.

Peripheral proteins

membrane proteins attached to the surface that assist function.

Hydrophilic head

the polar, water-attracting region of a phospholipid.

Hydrophobic tail

the nonpolar region of a phospholipid that avoids water.

Cytoplasm

the watery interior between the membrane and nucleus where chemical reactions occur.

Nucleus

the cell’s control center containing DNA and chromosomes.

Chromatin

DNA wrapped around proteins; forms chromosomes.

Nucleolus

region inside the nucleus where ribosomal RNA is synthesized.

Nuclear envelope

a double membrane enclosing the nucleus with nuclear pores.

Ribosome

molecular site of protein synthesis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

a membrane network for transport and synthesis within the cell.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

ER studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

ER involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Golgi apparatus

modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.

Mitochondria

organelle that produces ATP; the cell’s energy powerhouse.

Cristae

folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane that increase surface area.

Matrix

the fluid inside mitochondria.

Lysosome

organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste.

Centrioles

paired structures that organize spindle fibers during cell division.

Cilia

short, hair-like projections that move materials across the cell surface.

Flagella

long, whip-like projections enabling movement; in humans, sperm have a flagellum.

Prokaryotic

organisms without a true nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic

organisms with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Digestive system

the organs and tissues that digest and absorb nutrients.

Mouth

entry point for digestion where chewing and saliva begin breakdown.

Salivary glands

glands that produce saliva; begins carbohydrate digestion.

Esophagus

muscular tube that transports food to the stomach; has sphincters to prevent reflux.

Stomach

gastric chamber where acids and enzymes churn and digest food.

Small intestine

major site of nutrient absorption; about 90% of nutrients absorbed here.

Duodenum

first section of the small intestine where chyme mixes with bile and pancreatic juices.

Jejunum

middle section of the small intestine where most nutrients are absorbed.

Large intestine

absorbs water and vitamins; forms and eliminates feces.

Liver

produces bile; aids digestion of fats.

Bile

emulsifies fats to increase surface area for digestion.

Gall bladder

stores bile and releases it into the small intestine on demand.

Pancreas

produces digestive enzymes and hormones; has endocrine and exocrine roles.

Rectum

final section of the large intestine; stores stool before defecation.

Anus

opening through which stool exits the body.

Ingestion

the act of taking in food through the mouth.

Propulsion

movement of food through the GI tract (swallowing, peristalsis).

Mechanical digestion

physical breakdown of food (chewing, churning).

Chemical digestion

breakdown of food by enzymes and acids into absorbable molecules.

Absorption

movement of nutrients from the digestive tract into the blood.

Elimination

removal of indigestible substances as feces.

Chyme

semi-liquid mass of partly digested food in the stomach and intestine.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

hormone that signals the gallbladder to contract and release bile.

Emulsification

process by which bile breaks down large fat droplets into smaller ones.

Digestive enzymes

proteins that catalyze digestion; produced mainly by the pancreas.