Ch. 40: Digestion and Ingestion

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from Chapter 40 on Digestion & Absorption, aiding in understanding the methods and processes involved in the human digestive system.

Digestive System

The system responsible for bringing essential nutrients into the body

Ingestion

The process of taking food into the body

Digestion

The breakdown of food into simpler nutrients

Motility

The movement of food through the digestive tract

Secretion

The release of digestive enzymes for chemical digestion

Absorption

The process by which nutrients pass into the internal environment

Elimination

The excretion of undigested material from the body

Regulation

Coordination of digestive activities

Mechanical Digestion

The physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces

Chemical Digestion

The breakdown of food through chemical processes, such as hydrolysis

Mastication

The process of chewing food

Deglutition

The act of swallowing food

Peristalsis

Wavelike contractions that move food through the digestive tract

Segmentation

Mixing movements that break down food and mix it with digestive juices

Chyme

The semi-liquid mass of partially digested food that moves from the stomach to the small intestine

Gastric Inhibitory Peptide (GIP)

A hormone that slows peristalsis and regulates chyme entering the small intestine

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

A hormone that stimulates peristalsis in the intestines

Emulsification

The process of breaking down fats into smaller droplets for digestion

Proteases

Enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of proteins

Amylases

Enzymes that break down starches into simpler sugars

Lipases

Enzymes that digest fats into fatty acids and glycerol

Nucleases

Enzymes that digest nucleic acids like DNA and RNA

Intrinsic Factor

A protein that protects vitamin B12 and facilitates its absorption

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

An acid secreted in gastric juice that activates pepsin

Gastric Juice

A fluid secreted by the stomach containing hydrochloric acid and enzymes

Pancreatic Juice

Fluid secreted by the pancreas containing enzymes for digestion

Intestinal Juice

Fluid secreted by the intestinal glands aiding in digestion and absorption

Absorption

The passage of substances through the intestinal mucosa into the bloodstream

Dietary Fiber

Indigestible plant material that aids in digestion and elimination

Constipation

A condition where fecal matter moves slower than normal

Diarrhea

Increased motility in the intestines leading to watery stool

Rectum

The final section of the large intestine, where feces are stored before elimination

Proenzymes

Inactive forms of enzymes that are activated in the digestive tract

Hydrolysis

The chemical process of breaking down substances using water

Saçcharides

Simple sugar molecules that serve as a primary source of energy

Brush Border

Microvilli on the surface of intestinal cells that aid in absorption

Lecithin

A substance that aids in the emulsification of fats

Sodium Bicarbonate

A compound that increases the pH of fluids for optimal enzyme function

Gallbladder

An organ that stores and concentrates bile before secretion into the duodenum

Intestinal Lacteals

Lymphatic vessels in the intestines that absorb fats.

Digestive Glands

Glands such as salivary, gastric, pancreatic, and intestinal that secrete digestive substances.

Medulla

Part of the brain that controls reflexes related to digestion.

Hormonal Regulation

The control of digestive processes through hormones secreted by various organs.