BIO 12 DIGESTION VOCAB QUIZ 2

Amylase

An enzyme that breaks down starch into simple sugars. Found in saliva and pancreatic juice.

Nuclease

An enzyme that breaks down nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) into nucleotides.

Pancreas

A gland located behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes (like amylase, lipase, trypsin) and hormones like insulin.

Pancreatic juice

A fluid secreted by the pancreas containing digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, trypsin, etc.) and sodium bicarbonate.

Pepsin

An enzyme in the stomach that digests proteins into smaller peptides; active form of pepsinogen.

Pepsinogen

An inactive enzyme (zymogen) secreted by stomach cells that is activated to pepsin by stomach acid.

Peptidase

An enzyme that breaks down peptides into amino acids; found mainly in the small intestine.

Peristalsis

A series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Pharynx

The throat area behind the mouth and nasal cavity; connects to the esophagus and larynx.

Physical digestion

The mechanical breakdown of food (e.g., chewing, stomach churning) into smaller pieces without chemical change.

Proteases

Enzymes that break down proteins into peptides and amino acids (e.g., pepsin, trypsin).

Pyloric sphincter

A muscular valve that controls the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

Rectum

The final part of the large intestine where feces are stored before being expelled.

Salivary amylase

An enzyme in saliva that begins the chemical digestion of starch in the mouth.

Salivary gland

Glands in the mouth (parotid, submandibular, sublingual) that secrete saliva.

Salivary juice

The fluid produced by salivary glands, containing water, mucus, and salivary amylase.

Small intestine

A long, coiled digestive organ where most digestion and nutrient absorption occurs.

Sodium bicarbonate

A base secreted by the pancreas that neutralizes stomach acid in the small intestine.

Stomach

A muscular organ that stores and digests food using enzymes (like pepsin) and acid.

Swallowing

The process of moving food from the mouth to the esophagus, involving voluntary and involuntary muscle actions.

Trypsin

A protease enzyme produced by the pancreas that digests proteins in the small intestine.

Villus (plural: villi)

Tiny finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.