Gastrointestinal Physiology – 2025-2026

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to gastrointestinal physiology, focusing on digestive secretions, organ functions, and hormonal regulation.

Saliva

A fluid produced by salivary glands composed mainly of water, electrolytes, and mucins, facilitating digestion and oral hygiene.

Mucous glands

Glands that produce mucus for lubrication and protection of the alimentary tract.

Amylase

An enzyme in saliva that begins the breakdown of carbohydrates.

Hypotonic

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, resulting in lower osmotic pressure.

Acinar cells

Cells in the salivary and pancreatic glands that produce and secrete fluid, either serous or mucous.

Xerostomia

A condition characterized by dry mouth due to decreased salivary secretion.

Islets of Langerhans

Clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin and glucagon secretion.

Pancreatic juice

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

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

A hormone released in the intestine that stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes from the pancreas.

Secretin

A hormone that stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid in the duodenum.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver to emulsify fats and aid in fat digestion.

Enterohepatic circulation

The recycling of bile salts from the liver to the intestine and back to the liver.

Somatostatin

A hormone that inhibits the release of gastrin and decreases gastric acid secretion.

Gastrin

A hormone produced in the stomach that stimulates acid secretion and gastric motility.

Cystic fibrosis

A genetic disorder that affects the transport of chloride ions and water across epithelial cells, impacting digestive function.

Peptic ulcers

Sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum due to the damage caused by gastric acids.

Pepsinogen

The inactive precursor to pepsin, an enzyme that begins the digestion of proteins.

Diabetes mellitus

A group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose), related to dysfunction of insulin.

Cholesterol

A type of fat (lipid) found in the blood, necessary for forming cell membranes and hormones.

Vasopressin

A hormone also known as anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), important in regulating water balance.

Nutrient absorption

The process of transporting nutrients from the intestinal lumen across the epithelial layer into the bloodstream.