Digestive System Overview

These flashcards serve as a study aid for the key concepts and terminology related to the digestive system.

Ingestion

The process of taking food into the digestive system.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the digestive system, consisting of an epithelium lining the lumen.

Lumen

The interior space of the digestive tract, where food passes.

Muscularis Mucosae

A thin muscle layer in the mucosa responsible for local movements.

Submucosa

A connective tissue layer that supports the mucosa.

Muscularis Externa

Layer consisting of inner circular and outer longitudinal muscle for peristalsis.

Serosa

The outermost layer of connective tissue surrounding the digestive organs.

Salivary Amylase

An enzyme in saliva that begins the digestion of carbohydrates.

Bolus

A soft, moist ball of chewed food formed in the mouth.

Dental Plaque

A soft, sticky film that builds up on teeth, containing bacteria.

Gingivitis

An inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup.

Peristalsis

The process of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Cardiac Sphincter

A muscle at the top of the stomach that prevents backflow of stomach contents.

Pyloric Sphincter

A muscle at the bottom of the stomach controlling the passage of food into the small intestine.

Pepsinogen

An inactive enzyme in the stomach that converts to pepsin for protein digestion.

Intrinsic Factor

A protein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines.

Gallbladder

An organ that stores and concentrates bile.

Acidic Environment

The low pH condition in the stomach optimal for pepsin activation.

Lactose Intolerance

The inability to digest lactose due to low levels of lactase.

Enamel

The hard outer layer covering the crown of a tooth.

Dentin

The softer material beneath the enamel that forms the structure of the tooth.

Cementum

A connective tissue that helps hold the tooth in the bone.

Epiglottis

A flap of tissue that covers the trachea during swallowing.

Tongue

A muscular organ that helps in tasting, chewing, and swallowing food.

Nasopharynx

The upper part of the pharynx connected to the nasal cavity.

Oropharynx

The middle part of the pharynx located behind the oral cavity.

Laryngopharynx

The lower part of the pharynx that leads to the esophagus.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.

Cecum

The first part of the large intestine, receiving material from the ileum.

Appendix

A small, tube-like structure attached to the cecum, containing lymphatic tissue.

Villi

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

Haustra

Pouch-like structures in the large intestine formed by the teniae coli.

Chylomicrons

Lipid transport particles formed in the intestinal cells.

Bile Salts

Substances produced by the liver that aid in the emulsification of fats.

Nucleases

Enzymes that hydrolyze nucleic acids into their monomer components.

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus, causing discomfort.

Periodontal Disease

A serious infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss.

Hydrochloric Acid

A strong acid produced in the stomach to aid digestion.

Pancreatic Juice

A digestive fluid produced by the pancreas containing enzymes and bicarbonate.

Bicarbonate

An alkaline substance secreted by the pancreas to neutralize stomach acid.

Gastric Lipase

An enzyme that begins the digestion of lipids in the stomach.

Gallstone

Solid particles that form from bile components, potentially blocking bile flow.

Digestive Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in the digestive system.

Small Intestine

The major organ for digestion and absorption, divided into three parts.

Large Intestine

The part of the digestive system where water is absorbed and waste is expelled.