The Digestive System

Flashcards based on some slides on the digestive system.

Fistulated cow

A cow with a passageway connecting the cow’s stomach to the outside for observation and measurement

Scurvy

A disease caused by a lack of vitamin C where the body is unable to replenish the protein collagen in the skin; can cause bleeding gums, swelling, wounds, bruising

• Often experienced by the sea-bound without fruits or vegetables

Digestive system

System formed for the absorption of nutrients through the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food; consists of the alimentary canal and accessory organs

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the alimentary canal that protects tissues and aids absorption

Submucosa

The layer outside of the mucosa that holds glands, blood vessels, and nerves

Muscular layer

The smooth muscle of the alimentary canal that pushes food through

Serosa

Layer of the alimentary canal that lubricates surfaces

Villi

Structures in the small intestine that increase surface area for nutrient absorption

Celiac disease

Disease that damages the villi and reduces nutrient absorption capacity; gluten triggers villi immune destruction

Mixing movements

Movements that mix food with digestive juices in the digestive system

Peristalsis

Movements that push food down the esophagus

Saliva

Liquid in the mouth that begins digestion through chewing and mixing

Frenulum

Tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth

Tongue

Structure in the mouth that moves food

Palate

The roof of the oral cavity with hard and soft parts

Uvula

The back bulbous structure in the mouth

Palatine tonsils

Structures in the back of the mouth that are part of the immune system; can be inflamed and require removal

Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils that can cause a sore throat and fever; a tonsillectomy (tonsil removal) may be required

Primary teeth (baby teeth)

Teeth that first appear in children, then fall out with growth

Secondary teeth

Teeth that replace primary (baby) teeth and remain permanently

Incisors

The frontmost teeth in on the jaw

Cuspids (canines)

The teeth behind the incisors; one layer

Bicuspids

Teeth behind the cuspids

Molars

Teeth in the very back of the jaw

Root canal procedure

The repair of a badly damaged or infected tooth to avoid removal with a new cap; the name is derived from the cleaning of a tooth’s root

Crown

The top exposed part of the tooth with the enamel, dentin, and pulp cavity

Root

The part of the tooth covered by the gums surrounded by bone with a root canal that carries nerves and blood vessels

Wisdom teeth (third molars)

Molars that come in during adolescence that are often removed due to their position

Amylase

The enzyme within the saliva that breaks down starch into sugars

Mucus

Substance produced by mucous cells for lubrication during swallowing

Salivary glands

• Parotid gland (most anterior gland, back of mouth)

• Submandibular gland (salivary gland behind tongue)

• Sublingual gland (salivary gland below tongue)

Pharynx

Passageway leading to the throat that consists of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx that are located near the nose, mouth, and larynx respectively

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing

Esophagus

The passageway that moves food to the stomach

Esophageal hiatus

Where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm of the stomach

Longitudinal muscles

Muscles with an upward structure on the stomach

Circular muscles

Muscles with a structure going around the stomach

Oblique muscles

Muscles with a diagonal structure around the stomach

Pepsin

Digestive enzyme for breaking down food

Chyme

Paste released into the duodenum from the stomach

Rugae

Wrinkles within the lining of the stomach

Acid reflux

Condition that occurs when stomach acid splashes back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation (heartburn)

Pancreas

Organ that secretes insulin which breaks down sugars and pancreatic juice that breaks down fat; empties into the duodenum

Liver

Organ that functions to create bile and proteins alongside storing glycogen and vitamins; also aids blood clotting, clears bilirubin, and has detoxification functions

Cystic duct

Duct that carries bile from the gallbladder

Hepatic duct

Duct that comes from the liver

Common bile duct

Duct that forms as a convergence of the cystic and hepatic ducts, emptying into the duodenum

Bile

A yellowish-green liquid that aids in digestion and the breakdown of fat

Bilirubin

Substance produced when blood cells are broken down

Jaundice

Condition that occurs when the liver fails to clear bilirubin, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes

Bili lights

A therapeutic procedure for infants to reduce elevated bilirubin levels and jaundice symptoms

Gallbladder

An organ that stores bile from the liver and connects to the duodenum via the bile duct; stored bile can form gallstones

Small intestine

Part of the intestine with the main function of absorbing nutrients; split into the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum

Mesentery

Supports the coils of the small intestine and contains blood vessels

Greater omentum

Membrane that covers the intestines and stores fat

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine

Jejunum

The second part of the small intestine, about 2.2 meters long

Ileum

The third part of the small intestine, about 3.3 meters long

Large intestine

The part of the intestine that starts at the cecum after the small intestine and ends at the rectum to secrete mucus, reabsorb water, and compact with contained bacteria

Cecum

The start of the large intestine with an attached appendix

Ileocecal valve

Valve between the small intestine and cecum

Colon

Part of the large intestine with four sections: ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid

Rectum

Part of the large intestine that stores waste before it is expelled from the body

Anus

Muscular sphincter which controls the exit of waste

Appendix

Small, finger-shaped organ attached to the large intestine that stores good bacteria after illness

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix that may necessitate removal

Mass movements (defecation)

Movements of the large intestine that remove undigested food

Bristol Stool Chart

Chart that analyzes the consistency of feces

Gastroenterologist

A physician with dedicated training in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver

Colonoscopy

A test used to detect cancer in the colon via an inserted camera

Gastroenteritis

A generic name used to describe vomiting and diarrhea

Cholera

A bacterial disease transmitted through unclean water and food that causes diarrhea, leading to a massive loss of water that can be fatal

Microbiome

The microorganisms within the digestive tract that aid digestion; imbalance can cause sickness and uncontrolled bacterial growth

Hepatitis A

Liver inflammation caused by a virus transmitted through food or water

Hepatitis B and C

Liver inflammation caused by a virus transmitted through STIs; can lead to chronic disease and liver failure

Constipation

Difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins within the anus and rectum; may result from straining or pressure from pregnancy with pain, itching, and minor bleeding during bowel movements

Lactose intolerance

The inability to digest milk that can cause stomach upset

Hernia

Condition where the intestines poke through the abdominal muscles

Malnutrition

The lack of proper nutrition or nutrients; can cause diseases like scurvy (lack of vitamin C) or rickets (lack of vitamin D)

Essential nutrients

Nutrients required for normal body functioning that cannot be synthesized by the body