Anatomy and Physiology of Alcohol Metabolism

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomical structures, enzymes, organs, and physiological pathways involved in alcohol ingestion, absorption, metabolism, and physiological effects.

Ethanol

The formal chemical term for alcohol, which acts as a toxin in the human body.

Epiglottis

A flappy tissue structure that blocks off the trachea during swallowing to divert food and liquids into the esophagus.

Esophagus

A muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach.

Pyloric sphincter

A strong muscular valve inside the pylorus that acts as a gatekeeper, controlling the movement of stomach contents into the small intestine.

Gastric emptying

The controlled, gradual opening of the pyloric sphincter that releases stomach contents into the small intestine at a specific rate.

Gastric rugae

The visible folds located on the inner mucosal lining of the stomach.

Mesentery

The tissue that anchors the small intestines to the body, containing veins that collect absorbed nutrients and transport them to the liver.

Liver

The second largest organ in the body, capable of true regeneration, responsible for detoxifying ethanol and other toxins.

Alcohol dehydrogenase

An enzyme present in both the stomach and the liver that interacts with ethanol to convert it into acetaldehyde.

Acetaldehyde

A compound converted from ethanol by alcohol dehydrogenase that is more toxic than ethanol itself and is considered a primary contributor to hangover symptoms.

Acetate

A substance converted from acetaldehyde by liver enzymes that the body can easily and safely eliminate.

Sympathetic nervous system

The fight-or-flight portion of the nervous system that is stimulated by ethanol, leading to accelerated heart rate and sweating.

Cerebrum

The highly folded upper portion of the brain.

Cerebellum

The lower portion of the brain situated beneath the cerebrum.

Gray matter

The outer region of the brain containing neurons that communicate with each other using neurotransmitters.

Hypothalamus

A brain structure located directly above the pituitary gland that monitors the body's status and helps manage the hormonal system.

Hypothalamic-pituitary axis

The functional system formed by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland that controls the body's entire hormonal system.

Antidiuretic hormone (Vasopressin)

A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that constricts renal blood vessels to reduce urine output; its secretion is suppressed by alcohol.

Ureter

A long tube that carries urine filtered by the kidney down to the urinary bladder.