DIGESTIVE_SYSTEM

Mucosa

The inner layer of the digestive tube, formed by mucous epithelium (simple columnar).

Submucosa

The layer of connective tissue found beneath the mucosa in the digestive tract.

Muscularis

Layer containing two or three layers of smooth muscle in the digestive tract.

Serosa

A serous membrane that covers the outside of abdominal organs and attaches the digestive tract to the abdominal cavity.

Uvula

A downward projection of the soft palate, located in the mouth.

Lingual frenulum

A fold of mucous membrane that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

Incisors

The central and lateral teeth in the front of the mouth used for cutting.

Canine (cuspids)

Pointed teeth located next to the incisors, used for tearing.

Permanent teeth

The 32 teeth that replace deciduous teeth, usually completed by ages 17-24.

Enamel

The calcified material that covers the crown of a tooth.

Pulp

Soft material in the central cavity of a tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels.

Parotid glands

The largest salivary glands that secrete pure serous secretion into the mouth cavity.

Nasopharynx

The part of the pharynx located above the soft palate and behind the nasal cavity.

Epiglottis

A flap that covers the windpipe during swallowing to prevent food from entering the respiratory tract.

Pyloric sphincter

A muscle that closes the opening of the pylorus into the duodenum.

Chyme

Partially digested food formed in the stomach.

Absorption

The process of digested food moving from the intestine into the blood or lymph.

Hepatic duct

The duct that drains bile from the liver.

Gallbladder

An organ that concentrates and stores bile produced in the liver.

Pancreatic islets (of Langerhans)

Cells in the pancreas that secrete hormones like glucagon and insulin.

Diverticulum

A blind tube off the cecum, known as the appendix, with no significant digestive function.

Peritoneum

The serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering abdominal organs.

Villi

Microscopic, finger-shaped projections from the surface of the intestinal mucosa that absorb nutrients.

Taeniae coli

Thickening of longitudinal smooth muscle in the large intestine.

Mechanical digestion

The physical process of breaking down food into smaller particles.

Chemical digestion

The breakdown of large food molecules into smaller compounds through digestive enzymes.