Anatomy of the Digestive System

Vocabulary flashcards covering the organs and structures of the human digestive system as identified in anatomical diagrams.

Salivary gland

A group of organs that produce saliva to aid in digestion and lubrication of the mouth.

Mouth

The oral cavity where food is first ingested and digestion begins.

Parotid

One of the three major salivary glands, located in front of the ears.

Palate

The structure forming the roof of the mouth.

Uvula

A fleshy part of the soft palate that hangs down at the back of the throat.

Submandibular

Salivary glands located beneath the floor of the mouth and under the jaw.

Sublingual

Salivary glands situated under the tongue.

Pharynx

The part of the throat that connects the mouth to the esophagus.

Vocal chords

Folds of tissue in the throat that vibrate to produce sound.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the pharynx to the stomach.

Liver

A large organ that produces bile and processes nutrients from the digestive tract.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores and concentrates bile from the liver.

Common bile duct

A tube that carries bile from the gallbladder and liver into the small intestine.

Small intestine

A long, winding tube where most chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occur, consisting of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Duodenum

The first and shortest segment of the small intestine, located immediately after the stomach.

Jejunum

The middle section of the small intestine, situated between the duodenum and the ileum.

Ileum

The final and longest segment of the small intestine.

Appendix

A small, tube-like structure attached to the cecum of the large intestine.

Anus

The opening at the lower end of the digestive tract where waste is expelled from the body.

Teeth

Hard, calcified structures in the mouth used for breaking down food.

Tongue

A muscular organ in the mouth used for tasting, chewing, and swallowing.

Pancreatic duct

A duct that joins the pancreas to the common bile duct to deliver digestive enzymes to the duodenum.

Stomach

A muscular organ that receives food from the esophagus and mixes it with acid and enzymes for digestion.

Pancreas

A glandular organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones.

Large intestine

The final part of the digestive system, responsible for water absorption and waste preparation.

Transverse colon

The middle part of the large intestine that crosses horizontally across the abdomen.

Ascending colon

The part of the large intestine that travels upward from the cecum.

Cecum

A pouch-like structure that marks the beginning of the large intestine.

Descending colon

The part of the large intestine that travels downward toward the rectum.

Sigmoid colon

The S-shaped final section of the colon that connects to the rectum.

Rectum

The final storage area for waste before it is expelled through the anus.