Anatomy 102: The Digestive System

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the digestive system as presented in the Anatomy 102 lecture notes.

Vagus Nerve

A nerve that connects the brain to the digestive tract and helps regulate digestive processes.

Mastication

The process of chewing food to break it down into smaller pieces.

Peristalsis

Wavelike contractions and relaxation of muscles in the wall of the digestive tract that move food through it.

Absorption

The process by which nutrients and water are taken up from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

Secretion

The process of expelling hormones or digestive enzymes from accessory organs into the gastrointestinal tract.

Defecation

The elimination of food waste from the body.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the digestive tract that comes into direct contact with food, secreting mucus and enzymes.

Submucosa

A layer of connective tissue that houses blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic structures in the digestive tract.

Muscularis Externa

The layer of muscle in the digestive tract that facilitates segmentation and peristalsis.

Serosa

The outermost layer of the digestive tract that reduces friction with surrounding organs.

Gastric Pits

Depressions in the stomach lining containing cells that secrete gastric juices.

Intrinsic Factor

A substance secreted by stomach cells that is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.

Sphincter

A muscle that controls the passage of substances through an opening in the digestive tract.

Ileocecal Valve

The valve at the junction of the small intestine and the cecum that prevents backflow of contents.

Chyme

A semi-fluid mass of partially digested food that moves from the stomach into the small intestine.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that emulsifies fats in the small intestine.

Pancreatic Juices

Digestive fluids produced by the pancreas that contain enzymes for breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Microvilli

Tiny projections on the surface of intestinal cells that increase the surface area for absorption.

Haustra

Pouch-like sacs in the large intestine formed by the contraction of the teniae coli.

Teniae Coli

Three longitudinal muscle bands that run the length of the large intestine.

Defecation Reflex

The involuntary process that triggers the body to expel feces through the rectum.

Enteric Nervous System

A network of nerves controlling the gastrointestinal tract independently of the central nervous system.

Accessory Organs

Organs such as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder that aid digestion but are not part of the digestive tract.

Ghrelin

A hormone produced in the stomach that stimulates appetite.

Dentin

The hard tissue beneath the enamel of a tooth.

Periodontal Ligaments

Tissues that attach the teeth to the surrounding alveolar bone.