Human Nutrition

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary related to human nutrition, digestion, and related disorders.

Nutrition

The sum of the processes by which an organism consumes and utilises food substances.

Digestion

The process by which complex, non-diffusible food substances are converted into simple, diffusible, and assimilable substances.

Alimentary Canal

A long (8-10 meter) tube starting at the mouth and ending at the anus, comprising the digestive system.

Thecodont

A dental arrangement where teeth are fixed in jaw sockets.

Diphyodont

A type of dentition involving two sets of teeth, milk and permanent.

Heterodont

A type of dentition with four types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.

Pharynx

A shared passage for food and air that connects the buccal cavity to the oesophagus.

Oesophagus

A muscular tube, approximately 25cm long, that connects the pharynx to the stomach.

Pyloric Sphincter

A valve that regulates food flow from the stomach to the duodenum.

Chyme

A semi-fluid acidic mass of partially digested food formed in the stomach.

Microvilli

Finger-like projections on epithelial cells in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

Salivary Amylase

An enzyme secreted by the salivary glands that begins the digestion of starch.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that emulsifies fats and makes food alkaline.

Pancreatic Juice

Digestive fluid secreted by the pancreas that contains enzymes for digestion in the small intestine.

Assimilation

The process of using absorbed nutrients by the body's cells for energy, growth, and repair.

Egestion

The process of eliminating undigested food and waste products from the body.

Kwashiorkor

A serious protein deficiency condition in young children caused by insufficient protein intake.

Marasmus

Severe, prolonged protein-energy malnutrition affecting infants resulting from a deficiency of protein and overall calories.

Constipation

Infrequent bowel movements (less than once a week) often characterized by difficulty defecating.

Diarrhoea

Frequent passage of loose, watery stools, often leading to dehydration.

Jaundice

A condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, often indicating liver dysfunction.

Vomiting

The expulsion of stomach contents through reverse peristalsis due to various triggers.