Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system as presented in lecture notes.

Alimentary Tract

Another term for the digestive tract.

Peristalsis

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

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the digestive tract that secretes mucus and digestive enzymes.

Chyme

The semi-fluid mass of partly digested food that moves from the stomach to the small intestine.

Salivary Amylase

An enzyme in saliva that begins the breakdown of starches.

Gastric Juice

A digestive fluid produced by the stomach, containing hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes.

Rugae

Folds in the stomach lining that allow for expansion.

Sphincter

A circular muscle that constricts a passage or closes a natural opening.

Epiglottis

A flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the windpipe during swallowing.

Enteric Nervous System

A complex network of neurons that governs the function of the gastrointestinal system.

Accessory Organs

Organs that aid digestion but are not part of the digestive tract, such as the liver and pancreas.

Cecum

The first part of the large intestine, where the small intestine empties its contents.

Bolus

A mass of food that has been chewed and mixed with saliva, ready for swallowing.

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

Voluntary Phase of Swallowing

The phase where the tongue pushes food from the oral cavity to the pharynx.

Aspiration

Inhalation of food or liquid into the lungs, typically prevented by the epiglottis.

Small Intestine

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

Large Intestine

The final section of the gastrointestinal tract, responsible for water absorption and waste elimination.

Rectum

The final section of the large intestine, where feces are stored before elimination.

Gallstones

Solid particles that form from bile cholesterol and bilirubin in the gallbladder.