Human Digestive System and Food Processing Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards detailing the human digestive system, stages of food processing, teeth anatomy, digestive secretions, and intestinal diseases based on the provided lecture transcript.

Mesentery

A distinct organ consisting of folds of tissue that holds the intestines together and attaches them to the abdominal wall.

Ingestion

The taking in of food and drink substances through the mouth.

Mechanical Digestion

The physical breakdown of large food particles into smaller ones without chemically altering them.

Chemical Digestion

The chemical breakdown of food molecules into smaller, more water-soluble ones by the action of digestive enzymes.

Absorption

The stage of food processing in which water-soluble molecules and ions produced by digestion pass into the blood or lymph.

Assimilation

The uptake of absorbed nutrients from the bloodstream into body cells where they are subsequently used.

Egestion

The expulsion of food molecules that are not digested and absorbed out of the body through the anus.

Gum (Gingiva)

Soft tissue sealing sockets in the jawbones tightly like a collar; acts as a shock absorber, protects underlying bone, and forms a barrier against infection.

Crown

The visible part of a tooth that projects into the oral cavity.

Enamel

The white to off-white, non-living, highly mineralized outer covering of the tooth crown; it is the hardest substance made by the human body.

Dentine

The living, bone-like layer beneath tooth enamel containing strands of cytoplasm.

Pulp Cavity

The center of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerve endings that supply the dentine with oxygen and nutrients.

Cementum

A thin layer of hard, mineralized tissue surrounding the root of a tooth.

Incisors

Chisel-shaped teeth found at the front of the mouth used for biting and cutting pieces of food.

Canines

Pointed teeth found directly next to the incisors used for biting and cutting food.

Premolars

Teeth located directly behind canine teeth, each having two or more cusps used for crushing and grinding food.

Molars

Large teeth located at the back of the jaw behind premolars, each having four or five cusps used to crush and grind food.

Milk Teeth

The first set of 20 deciduous teeth in humans that emerge around 5 months of age and start falling out around age 7.

Permanent Teeth

The adult set of 32 teeth in humans that replace milk teeth and can last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Plaque

A sticky layer formed over gums and teeth when oral bacteria combine with sugars, saliva, and other food components.

Gingivitis

An inflammation of the gums caused by plaque, making them swollen, tender, and prone to bleeding during brushing.

Tartar

Hardened plaque (also called calculus) on teeth that provides a solid surface for more bacteria to collect.

Alimentary Canal

A long tube running through the body from the mouth to the anus in which food is digested and nutrients are absorbed.

Accessory Organs

Organs that participate in digestion by producing or secreting digestive fluids into the alimentary canal without food passing directly through them.

Bolus

A soft, lubricated ball-like mixture of food and saliva formed in the mouth to facilitate swallowing.

Soft Palate

The back portion of the roof of the mouth that is pushed upward during swallowing to prevent food from entering the nasal cavity.

Epiglottis

A flap of tissue located behind the tongue that covers the entrance of the larynx during swallowing to prevent food from entering the trachea.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach through peristalsis.

Peristalsis

The repetitive contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles in the walls of the alimentary canal that pushes food along.

Cardiac Sphincter

A ring of muscle (also called lower esophageal sphincter) between the esophagus and stomach that closes to prevent acid reflux.

Pyloric Sphincter

A ring of muscle at the base of the stomach that regulates the emptying of chyme into the small intestine.

Mucosa

The innermost thick mucous membrane layer of the stomach and intestines containing specialized glands and pits.

Gastric Pits

Depressions in the stomach mucosa containing specialized glands that secrete gastric juices, enzymes, hydrochloric acid, and mucus.

Pepsin

The main protease enzyme secreted in the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller polypeptides in an acidic environment.

Rennin

An enzyme produced in the stomach of young mammals that curdles milk proteins to retain them longer for digestion.

Chyme

A semi-liquid mixture of partially digested food, acid, and digestive enzymes produced in the stomach.

Emulsification

The physical breakdown of large lipid globules into smaller droplets by bile salts, increasing the surface area for lipase action.

Villi

Finger-like projections on the inner wall of the small intestine that greatly increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.

Lacteal

A lymphatic capillary found inside each intestinal villus that absorbs certain fat molecules.

Bacterial Flora

Thousands of bacterial species residing in the colon that synthesize vitamins, break down indigestible organic material, and keep pathogens in check.

Diarrhea

A condition involving the discharge of watery feces due to reduced water absorption in the large intestine.

Oral Rehydration Therapy

A treatment for severe diarrhea involving the administration of a dilute solution of sugars and salts in water to restore hydration.

Cholera

An infectious disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria that causes severe watery diarrhea by secreting a toxin that induces chloride ion secretion into the intestinal lumen.

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the stomach and/or intestines mainly caused by infections such as Salmonella.