Principles of Human Physiology - Gastrointestinal System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to digestion and absorption in human physiology.

Digestion

The process by which food is broken down into smaller components for absorption.

Absorption

The process of taking in nutrients from digested food into the blood.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically consumed as sugars, starches, and fibers.

Proteins

Large biomolecules composed of amino acids that are essential for various biological functions.

Lipids

Group of hydrophobic organic compounds, including fats and oils, that serve as energy sources.

Emulsification

The process of mixing two immiscible liquids, such as fats and water, facilitated by bile salts to enhance lipid digestion.

Bile Salts

Compounds synthesized from cholesterol that help in the emulsification and digestion of lipids.

Micelles

Aggregates of lipids in a colloidal form that facilitate the absorption of fatty acids and monoglycerides.

Dextrinase

An enzyme that breaks down limit dextrins into glucose.

Sucrase

An enzyme that hydrolyzes sucrose into fructose and glucose.

Pepsin

An enzyme produced in the stomach that digests proteins into smaller peptides.

Calcium Binding Protein

A protein that facilitates the transport of calcium into cells, enhancing calcium absorption.

Facilitated Diffusion

A process of passive transport that allows ions and molecules to cross membranes with the assistance of special proteins.

Hydrophobic

Describing substances that do not mix with water.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across a membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Hydrophilic

Describing substances that are attracted to water and can mix with it.

Lactase

An enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.

Monoglyceride

A molecule formed when a triglyceride is broken down, consisting of one glycerol and one fatty acid.