Digestive System Flashcards – Chapter 23

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the digestive system, including processes, organs, and functions.

Ingestion

The process of taking food and liquids into the body.

Propulsion

The process of moving food through the digestive tract.

Mechanical Breakdown

The physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces.

Digestion

The chemical breakdown of food into nutrients that can be absorbed.

Absorption

The process of taking nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

Defecation

The elimination of indigestible substances from the body.

Small intestine

The major site for digestion and absorption.

Pepsin

An enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins.

Bile

A substance that emulsifies fats, made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.

Gastroesophageal sphincter

A valve that prevents stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus.

Pyloric valve

A valve that controls the release of chyme into the small intestine.

Ileocecal valve

A valve that regulates flow from the small intestine to the large intestine.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix that can lead to peritonitis if ruptured.

Villi and microvilli

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

Pancreatic lipase

An enzyme that breaks down lipids in the small intestine.

Digestive enzymes

Enzymes secreted by the pancreas that help digest all macromolecules.