Digestive_System

Digestive System

The system responsible for the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients necessary for energy and bodily functions.

Peristalsis

The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Alimentary Canal

A continuous hollow tube that extends from the mouth to the anus, involved in various digestive processes.

Chyme

A thick, semi-liquid mass of partially digested food that enters the small intestine from the stomach.

Gastric Juice

Digestive fluid produced by the stomach lining, containing hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes.

Villi

Finger-like projections on the surface of the small intestine that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.

Microvilli

Tiny projections on the surface of intestinal cells that further increase the absorptive surface area.

Rugae

Folds in the stomach lining that allow for expansion after food intake.

Appendix

A small, tube-like structure attached to the large intestine, believed to play a role in gut health.

Goblet Cells

Cells in the lining of the intestine that produce mucus to lubricate the passage of feces.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, it helps in the digestion of fats.

Intrinsic Factor

A substance produced by the stomach needed for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.

Sphincter

Ring-like muscles that control the passage of food and digestive juices through the digestive tract.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver until it is needed for digestion.

Large Intestine

The final part of the digestive system, responsible for processing waste and absorbing water and salts.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations; related to the health of the digestive system.