Gastrointestinal System: Components, Functions, and Medical Terms

What is the primary function of the gastrointestinal system (GI)?

The system is responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients, and discarding waste.

What are the main components of the GI tract?

The GI tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.

What are the three segments of the small intestine?

The three segments of the small intestine are the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

What is another name for the large intestine?

The large intestine is also known as the colon.

What are the accessory organs of the gastrointestinal system?

The accessory organs include the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Esophag-

esophagus

Gastr-

stomach

Enter-

intestines

Duodeno-

duodenum

Ile-

ileum

Col-

Colon

Proct-

anus

Appendic-

appendix

Splen-

spleen

Bili-

bile

Chole-

bile

Hepat-

liver

Abdomin-

abdomen

Oment-

covering

Splanchn-

internal organs

Umbilic-

navel

Palat-

palate

Bucco-

cheek

Or-

mouth

Lingua-

tongue

Glosso-

tongue

Odont-

tooth

Dent-

tooth

Gingiv-

gums

Proctologist

A physician specializing in diseases/treatments of the anus.

Appendectomy

Surgical removal of the appendix.

Splenomegaly

Enlarged spleen.

Biliary tract

The path bile takes from the liver to the intestines.

Cholecystectomy

Surgical removal of the gallbladder.