Lower Gastrointestinal Tract and Digestion

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the anatomy, histology, secretions, motility, and nutrient digestion processes of the lower gastrointestinal tract based on the provided lecture transcript.

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine

Jejunum

The middle part of the small intestine, which is mainly responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients.

Ileum

The last part of the small intestine that ends at the connection to the large intestine.

Circular folds

Folds inside the small intestine that help slow down food to increase nutrient absorption.

Villi

Tiny, finger-like structures in the small intestine that help increase the surface area for absorption.

Lacteal

A small lymph vessel in a villus that absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

Microvilli

Small extensions on the surface of intestinal cells that create a brush-like border to help absorb nutrients.

Segmentation

A process where muscles in the small intestine mix food and juices to help with digestion.

Gastroileal reflex

A reflex that moves food from the last part of the small intestine to the first part of the large intestine after eating.

Hepatic portal vein

A blood vessel carrying 75% of the liver's blood, which has nutrients from the digestive organs.

Hepatocytes

Liver cells that perform essential functions for the liver.

Hepatic sinusoids

Special blood vessels in the liver where blood from different sources mixes.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

stimulates glabber to contract and release bile

Secretin

A hormone that triggers the release of alkaline fluid to reduce acidity in the small intestine.

Acinar cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce digestive enzymes.

Cecum

The first part of the large intestine, located in the lower right abdomen.

Indigenous microbiota

Bacteria in the large intestine that help digest food and produce vitamins.

Salivary amylase

An enzyme in saliva that starts breaking down starches.

Pepsin

An enzyme in the stomach that begins the digestion of proteins.

Enteropeptidase

converts trypsinogen to trypsin

Micelle

A structure that helps fats get digested by bringing fat droplets into contact with digestive enzymes.

Diverticulosis

A condition where small pouches form in the intestinal lining, often due to low fiber.

3 parts of the small intestine

duodenum, jejunum, ileum

small intestines

absorbs most nutrients and large percent of water and electrolytes

pancreas

produces and secretes insulin and glucagon

goblet cells produce

mucin

enteroendocrine cells release

CCK and secretin

liver

produces bile

gallbladder

stores, concentrates, and releases bile produced in the liver

pancreatic amylase

digest starchs

pancreatic lipase

digest triglyerides

called the ‘blind sac’

cecum

celiacs disease

allergic to gluten

trypsin converts

trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, and procarboxypeptidase

triglycerides

glycerol and three fatty acids

gastric lipase

produce chief cells

brush border enzymes

digestive proteins embedded in the microvilli of the small intestine's lining