Digestive System and Kidney Function Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards related to the digestive system and kidney function.

Peritoneum

A thin, shiny serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and folds back to cover most of the organs within.

Parietal Peritoneum

The layer of the peritoneum in contact with the body wall.

Visceral Peritoneum

The layer of the peritoneum that covers the organs, allowing them to slide over each other.

Peristalsis

A wave of circular muscle contraction that propels food through the digestive tract.

Ingestion

The process where the mouth (oral cavity) receives food.

Mastication

The process where teeth break food into smaller portions.

Deglutition

The process of food moving towards the throat to be swallowed.

Tongue

A muscular organ that projects into the mouth, aids in chewing and swallowing, and is a principle organ of speech.

Pharynx

Commonly referred to as the throat, where food is lubricated with mucus and peristalsis moves it into the stomach.

Lower Esophageal Sphincter

Controls the passage of food from the esophagus to the stomach.

Chyme

Ingested food and gastric juice and mucus mixed together.

Duodenum

The first segment of the small intestine, roughly 10 inches long.

Jejunum

The second segment of the small intestine, 2.5 feet in length.

Ileum

The final segment of the small intestine, which terminates into the cecum of the large colon.

Ileocecal Valve

Permits food passage from the ileum of the small intestine into the cecum.

Defecation

The process of eliminating feces from the body.

Liver

The largest accessory organ; manufactures bile and plays a role in controlling blood glucose and detoxification.

Gallbladder

Stores and releases bile manufactured in the liver.

Urea

A waste product of protein metabolism synthesized by the liver, released into the blood, and transported to the kidneys for elimination.

Detoxification

The removal of harmful substances such as alcohol and certain drugs by the liver.

Pancreas

An accessory organ that produces enzymes to digest fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Sodium Bicarbonate

An alkaline fluid released by the pancreas that neutralizes acidic chyme in the intestines.

Glomular Filtration

Movement of materials out of the blood within the nephron.

Ureter

Structure connects the kidney to the bladder.

Afferent Artery

The vessel that brings oxygenated blood to the kidneys.

Renal Vein

The vessel that takes oxygen-depleted blood away from the kidney.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System

Activation of this system results in increased blood pressure.

Homeostasis

Buffer systems, respiration, and kidney function helps the body maintain.