The Digestive System

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the structure and function of the digestive system.

Digestive tract

The continuous tube that runs from the mouth to the anus through which food passes.

Accessory organs

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

Ingestion

The act of taking in food and liquids into the digestive tract.

Absorption

The process of moving organic molecules, electrolytes, vitamins, and water across the digestive epithelium into the interstitial fluid.

Secretion

The process of producing and releasing substances, such as enzymes and acids, necessary for digestion.

Peristalsis

Waves of muscle contraction that propel the bolus through the digestive tract.

Segmentation

Cycles of contraction in the intestines that mix and fragment the bolus to enhance absorption.

Mucosa

The inner lining of the digestive tract composed of epithelial tissue that secretes mucus and absorbs nutrients.

Muscularis externa

The layer of smooth muscle in the digestive tract responsible for peristalsis and segmentation.

Compaction

The process of dehydrating indigestible materials and organic wastes to form feces.

Defecation

The elimination of feces from the body through the anus.

Villi

Small finger-like projections of the mucosa that increase the surface area for absorption in the small intestine.

Gallbladder

An accessory organ that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.

Pancreas

An organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, playing a crucial role in digestion and metabolism.

Liver

The largest visceral organ that performs various functions including bile production, detoxification, and metabolism.

Chyme

The semi-liquid mixture of food and digestive juices in the stomach.

Intrinsic factor

A protein secreted by gastric parietal cells that is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12.

Sphincter

A ring of muscle that relaxes or contracts to control the passage of substances through the digestive tract.

Rugae

Mucosal folds in the stomach that allow for expansion when the stomach fills with food.