Digestive System Vocabulary Practice

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the human digestive system as outlined in the lecture notes.

Alimentary Canal

Also known as the Digestive System and Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract, this muscular system is approximately 30 feet in length from top to bottom.

Mechanical Digestion

The physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces, occurring through actions like biting, ripping, grinding, and churning.

Chemical Digestion

The breakdown of food by enzymes into end products of fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

Primary Structures

The structures food passes directly through, including the mouth (buccal cavity), pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small intestines, and large intestines.

Accessory Structures

The 'helper' organs of the digestive system, including the tongue, teeth, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gall bladder.

Papillae

Ridges on the surface of the tongue that contain taste buds to sense sweet, salty, sour, and bitter flavors.

Bolus

A soft pliable ball of food created by the saliva and rolling motion of the tongue.

Mastication

The process of chewing, which aids in the physical breakdown of food.

Salivary Amylase

An enzyme contained in saliva that functions to chemically break down carbohydrates.

Uvula

A 'punching bag' structure hanging in the back of the throat that closes off the nasal cavity during swallowing.

Peristalsis

Wave-like contractions that push food to the stomach and move indigestible wastes through the intestines.

Rugae

Wrinkles or folds in the lining of the stomach that 'growl' when the stomach is empty.

Chyme

A semi-liquid consisting of partially digested food and gastric juices (including $HCl$) that leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine.

Duodenum

The first segment of the small intestine, measuring 12 inches in long.

Jejunum

The second segment of the small intestine, measuring 8 feet in length.

Ileum

The third segment of the small intestine, measuring 10-12 feet in length.

Villi

Million of tiny finger-like projections in the small intestine containing capillaries that absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.

Glycogen

A form of glucose produced and stored by the liver that can be easily broken down and used for energy.

B12

A vitamin stored in the liver that is important in erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation) and DNA synthesis.

Cecum

The region of the large intestine where the appendix is attached.

Flatus

Gas produced in the digestive system, typically totaling 1-3 pints per day.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones (cholelithiasis) and resulting in abdominal pain and nausea.

Cirrhosis

A condition where normal liver tissue is replaced by scarred fibrous connective tissue (fibrosis), often caused by chronic alcohol abuse or Tylenol.

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines often caused by a virus or contaminated food, lasting 24-36 hours.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A condition where stomach acid flows up into the esophagus, often caused by a weak cardiac sphincter, hiatal hernia, or obesity.

Peptic Ulcer

Sores in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum often caused by the bacteria $Helicobacter\,Pylori$ ($H.\,Pylori$).

Hiatal Hernia

A condition where the upper part of the stomach bulges through a weak diaphragm muscle, more common after the age of 50.