Overview of the Digestive System and Its Functions

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44 Terms

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Amylase

An enzyme that breaks down starch; secreted in saliva and by the pancreas.

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Lipase

An enzyme that digests fats; secreted by the pancreas.

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Pepsin

Active protein-digesting enzyme in the stomach, formed from pepsinogen.

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Absorption

Uptake of nutrients from the GI tract into the blood or lymph.

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Chyme

Semi-fluid mixture of food and digestive juices formed in the stomach.

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Peristalsis

Wave-like muscular contractions that move food through the GI tract.

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Microbiome

The community of bacteria in the GI tract, especially the large intestine, is crucial for digestion and immunity.

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Ingestion

Intake of food.

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Mechanical breakdown

Chewing, churning (stomach), segmentation (small intestine).

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Propulsion

Swallowing and peristalsis.

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Digestion

Chemical breakdown by enzymes.

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Defecation

Elimination of indigestible substances.

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Carbs

Broken into monosaccharides and absorbed into capillaries.

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Proteins

Broken into amino acids and absorbed into capillaries.

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Fats

Broken into fatty acids + monoglycerides and absorbed into lacteals (lymph).

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Enteric Nervous System

Intrinsic nerve network controlling GI motility and secretions.

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Cephalic phase

Triggered by smell/thought of food.

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Gastric phase

Triggered by food in the stomach.

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Intestinal phase

Begins when chyme enters the duodenum.

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Stomach protection

Mucus coat, tight junctions, and epithelial renewal.

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Ulcers

Often caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

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Small Intestine

Duodenum receives chyme, bile, pancreatic enzymes; jejunum is the main site of nutrient absorption; ileum has limited absorption and connects to large intestine.

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Large Intestine

Absorbs water and vitamins; stores feces.

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Disorders

IBS, colon cancer.

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Microbiome

Helps synthesize vitamins, digest fiber, and regulate immunity.

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LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Bad cholesterol; deposits in arteries.

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HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

Good cholesterol; removes excess from blood.

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Digestive System Organs

Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, anus; accessory organs: liver, pancreas, gallbladder.

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Parietal Cells

Produce HCl (activates pepsinogen).

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Chief Cells

Produce Pepsinogen (converted to pepsin to digest proteins).

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Mucous Cells

Produce Mucus (protects stomach lining).

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Enteric Nervous System

Controls digestive activity (motility, enzyme secretion, blood flow) independently of CNS.

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Intestinal Phase

Triggers hormonal and neural responses (e.g., secretin, CCK) that inhibit gastric secretion and motility.

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Low pH in Stomach

Activates pepsin, kills microbes, denatures proteins for easier digestion.

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Liver Contribution to Digestion

Produces bile, which emulsifies fats to aid fat digestion.

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Pancreas Contribution to Digestion

Produces digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, proteases) and bicarbonate to neutralize acid.

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Structures Increasing Absorptive Surface Area

Circular folds, villi, and microvilli.

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Regions of the Small Intestine

Duodenum, jejunum, ileum.

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Epithelial Lining Protection in Stomach

Mucus secretion, tight junctions between cells, and rapid epithelial regeneration.

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Function of the Large Intestine

Absorbs water and vitamins; stores and eliminates feces.

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Importance of Bacteria in Large Intestine

They synthesize vitamins, aid digestion, prevent harmful bacteria growth, and support immune function.

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Cystic Fibrosis Effect on Digestion

Thick mucus blocks pancreatic ducts → enzymes can't reach intestines → poor digestion and absorption.

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Difference between LDL and HDL

LDL: Delivers cholesterol to tissues—can clog arteries; HDL: Removes cholesterol from bloodstream—protects against heart disease.

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Phases of Digestion in the Stomach

Cephalic, gastric, and intestinal phases.