Digestion, Absorption, and Metabolism Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the organs of the digestive system, metabolic processes, and nutritional components based on chapter 2 lecture notes.

Pharyngoesophageal sphincter

The site where swallowing begins in the gastrointestinal system.

Gastroesophageal/Lower esophageal (LES) sphincter

A sphincter that prevents gastric reflux.

Tongue

An organ composed mostly of skeletal muscle and recognized as the most movable organ of the mouth.

Permanent teeth

Adults have $32$ of these, comprising cuspids, incisors, bicuspids, and molars.

Parotid glands

The largest salivary glands, located anterior and inferior to the ear, which secrete saliva to begin the digestion of starches.

Pharynx

The structure that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the esophagus.

Esophagus

A muscular tube approximately $20\,\text{cm}$ long that propels food into the stomach using muscular contraction.

Stomach capacity

The stomach is located in the upper-left quadrant of the abdomen and has a capacity of approximately $1.5\,\text{L}$.

Stomach functions

Regulates the rate of gastric emptying, secretes gastric juice (including $HCl$), secretes hormones and intrinsic factor, and begins the digestion of proteins.

Small intestine structures

Comprised of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Small intestine hormones

Secretin and Cholecystokinin.

Villi and Microvilli

Folds in the duodenum that increase surface area for absorption and contain capillaries and lacteals.

Large intestine (colon) structures

Includes the cecum, vermiform appendix, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum, and anus.

Large intestine functions

Absorption of water and electrolytes, synthesis of vitamins by intestinal bacteria, temporary storage of waste, and elimination of feces and flatus.

Ingestion

The process of consuming food by the mouth and moving it through the digestive system.

Digestion

A systemic process that includes the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.

Absorption

The process where components of nutrients pass through the digestive system into the bloodstream and lymphatic system.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical processes that occur on a cellular level to maintain homeostasis.

Catabolism

The breaking down of substances with the resultant release of energy.

Anabolism

The use of energy to build or repair substances.

Protein caloric value

Supplies approximately $4\,\text{calories/g}$.

Amino Acids

The components of protein, consisting of $9$ essential and $11$ nonessential types.

Complete (High-quality) proteins

Proteins from animal sources such as red meat, eggs, milk, poultry, and fish.

Fiber

The portion of carbohydrate that cannot be broken down during digestion; it increases bulk in the stool and aids in elimination.

Fiber intake recommendation

$21$ to $38\,\text{g/day}$.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The number of calories the body needs to stay alive and function at rest, such as breathing and maintaining heart rate.

Liver and gallbladder

Organs that concentrate, store, and secrete bile into the duodenum.

Pancreas

An organ that secretes digestive juices and produces insulin.