Chapter 23 Part B

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the digestive system, including anatomy, functions, and gastric secretions.

Mouth

Where food is chewed and mixed with enzyme-containing saliva that begins the process of digestion.

Pharynx

Passageway for food, fluids, and air; lined with stratified squamous epithelium.

Esophagus

A flat muscular tube that transports food from the pharynx to the stomach.

Gastroesophageal sphincter

Muscle surrounding the orifice between the esophagus and stomach to prevent acid reflux.

Rugae

Folds in the stomach mucosa that allow for expansion.

Chyme

The paste-like mixture of food and digestive juices in the stomach.

Gastric juice

Digestive fluid produced in the stomach, containing hydrochloric acid and enzymes.

Mucosal barrier

Protective mechanism in the stomach that prevents the acidic gastric juice from damaging the stomach lining.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining caused by breaches in the mucosal barrier.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that emulsifies fats.

Pancreatic juice

Digestive fluid produced by the pancreas containing enzymes and bicarbonate.

Enterogastric reflex

Reflex that inhibits gastric secretion when chyme enters the duodenum.

Bicarbonate

A base secreted by the pancreas to neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine.

Pepsinogen

Inactive enzyme that is activated to pepsin in the acidic environment of the stomach.

Enteroendocrine cells

Cells in the gastric glands that release hormones into the blood to regulate digestion.

Acid reflux

Backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus caused by failure of the gastroesophageal sphincter.