Digestive System Overview

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to the digestive system.

Digestion

The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food to simple molecules that can be absorbed and used by body cells.

Absorption

The passage of digested foods from the GI tract into blood or lymph.

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract

A series of organs that collectively perform functions of ingestion, secretion, mixing, propulsion, digestion, absorption, and defecation.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the GI tract which secretes enzymes and absorbs nutrients.

Submucosa

The second layer of the GI tract that contains blood and lymphatic vessels, and neurons of the enteric nervous system.

Muscularis

The layer composed of smooth muscle that mixes, crushes, and propels food along the GI tract.

Serosa

The outermost layer of the GI tract, a serous membrane that secretes serous fluid to reduce friction.

Greater Omentum

A fold of peritoneum that drapes over the small and large intestine, often referred to as a 'fatty apron'.

Mesentery

A fold of peritoneum that binds the small intestine to the posterior abdominal wall.

Saliva

A fluid produced by salivary glands that aids in chemical digestion and contains enzymes like salivary amylase and lysozyme.