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Digestive System

A group of organs that ingest food, break it down into usable substances, and eliminate wastes.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into substances that cells can use.

Alimentary Canal

The continuous tube that runs from the mouth to the anus, responsible for digestion and absorption.

Accessory Organs

Organs that aid in digestion but are not part of the alimentary canal, such as salivary glands, liver, and pancreas.

Visceral Peritoneum

The inner layer of serous peritoneum that adheres to the outer surface of abdominal organs.

Mesentery

A thick fold of visceral peritoneum that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall.

Omentum

A fold of peritoneum extending from the stomach to adjacent organs, containing fatty tissue.

Bolus

A ball-like mixture of food that forms in the mouth and is swallowed.

Peristalsis

The wave-like muscle contractions that move food down the esophagus and through the digestive tract.

Gastroesophageal Sphincter

A sphincter that relaxes to allow food to enter the stomach from the esophagus.

Pylorus

The region of the stomach nearest to the small intestine.

Rugae

Folds in the stomach lining that allow it to expand.

Villi

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

Goblet Cells

Cells that secrete mucus to protect the lining of the digestive tract.

Liver

An accessory organ that produces bile, processes nutrients, and detoxifies harmful substances.

Pancreas

An accessory organ that produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.

Hepatic Portal System

A system that transports blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver.

Acinar Cells

Cells in the pancreas that secrete digestive enzymes.

Gastric Juice

A mixture secreted by gastric glands in the stomach that contains hydrochloric acid and enzymes.

Intrinsic Factor

A protein secreted by the stomach necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the alimentary canal that contains epithelial tissue.

Submucosa

The layer of the alimentary canal that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Muscularis Externa

The muscle layer of the alimentary canal responsible for peristalsis.

Serosa

The outermost layer of the alimentary canal.

Teeth

Structures that mechanically break down food in the mouth.

Salivary Glands

Glands that secrete saliva, which contains enzymes and aids in digestion.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach.

Small Intestine

The part of the digestive system where most nutrient absorption occurs.

Large Intestine

The final section of the digestive tract, responsible for water absorption and waste formation.