Digestive System Key Terms: Absorption, Enzymes, and Organs

absorption

the movement of wastes from the bloodstream to the excretory system

alimentary canal

digestive tract

bile

a yellowish fluid secreted by the liver that acts as an emulsifier

bolus

a ball of thoroughly chewed and moistened food in the digestive tract

carbohydrate

organic compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

cardiac sphincter

a circular muscle located between the esophagus and the stomach

cholesterol

a lipid

chyme

the mixture formed in the stomach from digested food particles and gastric fluids

colon

the large intestines

dehydration

condition resulting from excessive water loss

digestion

breaking down food into useable molecules

disaccharide

a double sugar formed from two monosaccharides

duodenum

first section of the small intestines

enzyme

protein that acts as a catalyst in metabolism

epiglottis

flap of tissue that covers the trachea

esophagus

the tube connecting the mouth and the pharynx to the stomach

fat

a triglyceride that is solid at room temperature

feces

waste materials that pass through the anus

gall bladder

saclike organ connected to the liver that stores bile

gastric fluid

liquid secreted by gastric glands

gastric pit

the open end of gastric gland through which secretions are released