The Digestive System and Nutrition

Vocabulary flashcards covering the human digestive system, levels of organization, nutrition processes, nutrients, deficiency diseases, and eating disorders.

Tissue

A group of cells, with the same shape and function.

Organ

A group of tissues functioning together form an organ.

Organ system

A group of organs functioning together form an organ system.

Ingestion

The intake of food.

Mastication

The process of chewing food to form smaller pieces.

Digestion

The breaking down of food into smaller simpler nutrients.

Absorption

The process where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Transportation

The process that transports food to other parts of the body.

Assimilation

The process where nutrients are absorbed into the cells and used for growth, repair, respiration, and reproduction.

Egestion

The removal of undigested or indigestible residues.

Mechanical digestion

The physical breakdown of food into smaller parts due to chewing, tearing, mixing, grinding, and crushing; occurs mostly in the mouth and stomach.

Chemical digestion

A chemical process in which food is mixed with enzymes to be broken down into its simplest molecules (monomers).

Alimentary canal

The tube of the digestive system starting at the mouth and ending at the anus.

Accessory organs

Organs related to the digestive tract that include the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Bolus

A small ball of chewed food rolled by the tongue.

Incisors

A type of teeth ($8$ in total) used for biting off pieces of food.

Canines

A type of teeth ($4$ in total) used for tearing pieces of food.

Premolars

A type of teeth ($8$ in total) used for grinding and crushing food.

Molars

A type of teeth ($8$ in total) used for grinding and crushing food.

Peristalsis

The rhythmical relaxation and contraction of muscles in the digestive tract that pushes the bolus to the stomach.

Villi

Folds in the small intestine wall that increase the surface area for the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.

Pancreas

A leaf-shaped gland that secretes pancreatic enzymes, bicarbonate ions to neutralize acidic pH, and hormones like insulin and glucagon.

Bile

A substance produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that aids in fat digestion.

Organic Compounds

Compounds containing carbon (usually with oxygen and hydrogen), such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and lipids.

Inorganic Compounds

Compounds that do not contain carbon in conjunction with oxygen and hydrogen, such as water, gases, and minerals/salts.

Carbohydrates

An immediate and reserve energy source found in foods like bread, pasta, and potatoes.

Kwashiorkor

A deficiency disease caused by a lack of protein.

Night blindness

A deficiency disease caused by a lack of vitamin A.

Scurvy

A deficiency disease caused by a lack of vitamin C, with symptoms including bleeding skin, loose teeth, and gingivitis.

Beri-beri

A nutritional disorder caused by a lack of vitamin B1, featuring fatigue and central nervous disorders.

Pellagra

A nutritional disorder caused by vitamin B3 deficiency.

Rickets

A condition most commonly caused by a lack of vitamin D.

Anemia

A condition caused by iron deficiency, characterized by fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Osteoporosis

A condition where bones become thin or brittle due to a lack of calcium.

Goitre

A medical condition caused by a lack of iodine.

Fiber

Found in whole grains and vegetables, it promotes movement in the digestive system and aids in peristalsis.

Anorexia Nervosa

A psychological disorder causing extreme weight loss, decreased fat percentage, fatigue, and dizziness.

Bulimia Nervosa

A psychological disorder characterized by vomiting after meals, weight loss, weakened tooth enamel, and kidney damage.

Stomach ulcers

A condition caused by bacterial infection or anti-inflammatory medication, resulting in pain, nausea, and weight loss.

Malnutrition

A diet where there is a shortage of one nutrient but an adequate amount of another, such as kwashiorkor.

Undernourishment

A condition where there is a general shortage of all nutrients, as seen in marasmus or anorexia.

Overfeeding

A state where an excess of nutrients are ingested, leading to conditions such as obesity.