Digestive GPT

Ascending Colon

First major section of the large intestine that moves upward on the right side of the abdomen

Deglutition

Process of moving a swallowed food mass from the mouth to the stomach

Descending Colon

Section of the large intestine that travels downward on the left side toward the rectum

Duodenum

Beginning section of the small intestine located after the stomach

Enzyme

Substance that chemically breaks larger food molecules into smaller ones

Epiglottis

Cartilage flap that blocks the airway during swallowing

Esophageal Sphincter

Muscular ring that prevents stomach contents from moving backward

Ileum

Final section of the small intestine responsible for absorbing remaining nutrients and vitamin B12

Jejunum

Middle section of the small intestine mainly responsible for nutrient absorption

Pancreas

Large gland behind the stomach that releases digestive substances and hormones

Peristalsis

Wave-like muscle contractions that move materials through the digestive tract

Pyloric Sphincter

Muscular opening controlling movement from the stomach into the small intestine

Rectum

Final storage area for feces before elimination

Sigmoid Colon

S-shaped section connecting the large intestine to the rectum

Stomach

Muscular digestive organ that mixes food with digestive substances

Transverse Colon

Horizontal section of the large intestine crossing the abdomen

Alimentary Canal

Continuous digestive tube extending from the mouth to the anus

Mouth

Beginning structure of the digestive tract where chewing and saliva mixing occur

Mastication

Action of physically breaking food apart by chewing

Mucous Membrane

Moist protective lining found inside digestive organs

Accessory Organs

Structures that assist digestion without food passing directly through them

Salivary Glands

Structures that release saliva into the mouth

Parotid Glands

Largest saliva-producing structures located near the cheeks

Sublingual Glands

Saliva-producing structures found beneath the tongue

Submandibular Glands

Saliva-producing structures located below the jaw

Salivary Amylase

Digestive substance in saliva that starts starch breakdown

Amylase

Substance responsible for carbohydrate digestion

Bolus

Rounded mass of chewed food prepared for swallowing

Pharynx

Passageway in the throat that directs swallowed material toward the esophagus

Esophagus

Tube transporting swallowed material to the stomach

Lower Esophageal Sphincter

Circular muscle that opens to allow entry into the stomach

Cardiac Region

Area where swallowed material enters the stomach

Fundus

Rounded upper portion of the stomach

Body of Stomach

Largest central section of the stomach

Pylorus

Lower stomach region leading toward the small intestine

Greater Curvature

Large outer border of the stomach

Lesser Curvature

Smaller inner border of the stomach

Rugae

Internal folds allowing the stomach to expand

Chyme

Semi-liquid mixture formed after stomach digestion

Ileocecal Valve

Structure controlling movement into the large intestine

Cecum

Beginning pouch-like section of the large intestine

Appendix

Small attached structure believed to store beneficial bacteria

Anus

Opening through which waste exits the body

Mechanical Digestion

Physical breakdown of food through actions such as chewing

Chemical Digestion

Process where substances are broken into smaller molecules by digestive chemicals and enzymes

Gastrin

Hormone that stimulates release of stomach digestive substances

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Body system responsible for “rest and digest” activities and promoting digestion

Pepsinogen

Inactive protein-digesting substance released by the stomach

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

Strong acidic substance in the stomach that activates digestive substances

Pepsin

Protein-digesting substance active in the stomach

Gastric Lipase

Fat-digesting substance released in the stomach

Intrinsic Factor

Substance needed for vitamin B12 absorption

Secretin

Hormone released by the small intestine that signals pancreatic release

Pancreatic Duct

Tube carrying pancreatic substances into the small intestine

Trypsin

Protein-digesting substance released from the pancreas

Chymotrypsin

Protein-breaking pancreatic substance active in the small intestine

Pancreatic Lipase

Fat-digesting substance released from the pancreas

Pancreatic Amylase

Carbohydrate-breaking pancreatic substance

Bicarbonate Ions

Substances that neutralize acidic material entering the small intestine

Alkaline Environment

Condition with lower acidity where digestive substances function best

Liver

Large organ responsible for producing a fat-processing fluid

Bile

Fluid that breaks large fat globules into smaller droplets

Gallbladder

Storage organ that holds digestive fluid produced by the liver

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Hormone that signals release of stored digestive fluid when fats enter the intestine

Common Bile Duct

Passageway carrying digestive fluid into the small intestine

Emulsification

Process of separating large fat globules into smaller droplets

Lipases

Fat-digesting substances active in the digestive tract

Proteases

Protein-breaking substances active during digestion

Maltase

Substance that converts maltose into simple sugar molecules

Lactase

Substance that breaks lactose into simpler molecules

Sucrase

Substance that breaks sucrose into simpler molecules

Intestinal Villi

Tiny projections specialized for nutrient absorption

Brush Border

Microscopic surface layer that increases absorption area

Plicae Circularae

Circular folds that enlarge the absorptive surface area

Large Intestine

Digestive section mainly responsible for water and electrolyte absorption

Haustra

Pouch-like segments located along the large intestine

Tenia Coli

Bands of smooth muscle aiding movement through the large intestine

Defecation Reflex

Automatic response responsible for elimination of waste