Alimentary Canal and Related Anatomy

Flashcards based on key concepts related to the alimentary canal and associated structures as discussed in the lecture.

Esophagus

A muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach in the alimentary canal.

Submucosa

A layer of tissue in the alimentary canal that provides support and contains blood vessels, nerves, and glands.

Muscularis externa

The layer of muscle in the alimentary canal responsible for peristalsis.

Muscularis mucosa

A thin layer of muscle in the alimentary canal that helps in the movement of the mucosa.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the alimentary canal, which secretes mucus and digestive enzymes.

Acini

Clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce and secrete digestive enzymes.

Zymogen

An inactive precursor of an enzyme, particularly digestive enzymes secreted by acinar cells.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

Islet of Langerhans

The regions of the pancreas that contain its endocrine (hormone-producing) cells.

Hepatocyte

The main cell type of the liver responsible for producing bile and metabolizing nutrients.

Portal triad

A structure in the liver containing a branch of the hepatic artery, a branch of the portal vein, and a bile duct.

Corpus luteum

A temporary endocrine structure involved in the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy.

Testosterone

A hormone produced by Leydig cells in the testes that plays a key role in male sexual development.

Peyer’s patches

Lymphoid follicles found in the intestine that play a role in immune surveillance.

Glomerular capsule (Bowman's capsule)

The structure surrounding the glomerulus in the kidney that collects filtrate.

Transitional epithelium

A type of epithelium that can stretch and is found in the urinary bladder.

Microvilli

Small, finger-like extensions of the cell membrane that increase surface area for absorption.