Internal Functions

Mesentery

Thin layer of connective tissue between the loops of the small intestine. Supports blood vessels supplying the intestine.

Liver

This organ produces bile, secretes digestive enzymes, detoxifies drugs and alcohol, stores excess glucose, vitamins and produces 80% of the body's cholesterol.

Esophagus

The muscular dorsal tube which carries food from the mouth to the stomach

Ureter

Tube carrying urine from the kidney to the bladder

Spleen

Tongue shaped organ that stores blood, produces WBC and platelets and removes old red blood cells.

Vallate Papillae

Small, finger like projections on the most dorsal portion of the tongue, IS A TASTE BUD

Frenulum

Thin sheet of connective tissue that anchors the tongue to the bottom of the mouth

Aorta

The largest blood vessel leaving the heart--carries oxygenated blood.

Lungs

Paired organs in the thoracic cavity that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood

Ilium

the last section of small intestine that pairs with the large intestine

Testes

paired structures in males that produce sperm and testosterone

Urethra

Tube carrying urine from the bladder, outside of the body

Diaphragm

Muscle separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities

Filiform Papillae

Long, hardened projections on cat tongue used for grooming NOT TASTE BUDS

Salivary glands

small structures inside mouth and under the tongue that produce "spit"

Pharynx

Area at the back of the throat where the oral cavity, sinuses, trachea, and esophagus meet.

Hard Palate

Bony, anterior roof of mouth

Glottis

Opening of the trachea

Cardiac Valve

Malfunction causes acid from stomach to splash up into esophagus resulting in acid reflux

Larynx

swollen, cartilaginous voice box

bronchii

small tubes branching and carrying air from the trachea to the lungs

Kidneys

Paired organs on the dorsal surface of the abdominal cavity. Filters blood to produce urine

Cecum

The dead end finger tip at the first portion of the large intestine

Pancreas

The oatmeal appearing gland that runs along the duodenum. It produces insulin and digestive enzymes

Jejunum

The middle portion of the small intestine

Dorsal aorta

Oxygenated blood vessel that carries blood to lower extremities

Epiglottis

Cartilaginous flap that covers trachea when swallowing.

Uterus

Muscular organ that receives, houses, and nourishes a fertilized egg. This organ contracts during childbirth

Duodenum

The first portion of the small intestine that connects with the stomach

Foliate Papillae

Leaf shaped projections located on the side of the tongue. These are TASTE BUDS

Heart

The large, muscular organ that pumps blood

Large Intestine

digestive organ that absorbs excess water as food passes. Forms solid waste.

Tongue

Muscular structure in the oral cavity that aids in speech, swallowing and taste.

Posterior Vena Cava

Large blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower extremities back to the heart.

Gall Bladder

small sac that stores bile

Soft Palate

Non-bony posterior roof of mouth

Greater omentum

Double layered membrane that is mixed with adipose tissue to surround protect and insulate the abdominal organs

Stomach

Digestive organ that stores and grinds food. Site of initial digestion of proteins.

Fungiform Papillae

Mushroom shaped projections on the tongue. These ARE TASTE BUDS

Rectum

In humans, the last 6 inches of the large intestine.

Pyloric Valve

Controls the flow of food from the stomach to the small intestine

Vas Deferens

Collection of tubes that carry sperm and semen to the urethra in males

Spermatic Cord

Raises and lowers the testes to maintain optimum temperature for sperm life.

Iliocecal Valve

Controls the flow of food from the small intestine to the large intestine

Anal Sphincter

Round, muscular valve that controls the flow of solid waste as it exits the body

Trachea

Windpipe with cartilaginous rings that leads from the oral cavity to the bronchii

Anterior Vena Cava

Large blood vessel that returns deoxygenate blood from the head, neck and arms back to the heart.

Small intestine

Digestive organ, roughly 20 feet long in humans. Absorbs nutrients from food.

Mesenteric Lymph Node

Cluster of small structures that filter bacteria, viruses and debris from the fluid associated in and around the abdominal organs

Ovary

Small, bean like organ that produces female hormones and eggs for reproduction

Cervix

Neck of the uterus

Filiform papillae

sharp with no taste buds

Foliate papillae

located on lateral aspects of posterior tongue

Vallate papillae

Largest taste buds on most posterior of the tongue

Fungiform papillae

Mushroom-like protuberances often containing taste buds and located on the sides and tip of the tongue.

Salivary Gland

Glands of the mouth that produce saliva, a digestive secretion