Digestive System Review

Flashcards covering key concepts and terminology related to the digestive system for exam review.

Digestive System

The system that processes food, converts it into energy, and eliminates waste.

GI Tract

Gastrointestinal tract; a continuous tube through which food passes in the digestive system.

Accessory Digestive Organs

Organs that assist with digestion but are not part of the GI tract, including the salivary glands, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Ingestion

The process of taking food into the body through the mouth.

Peristalsis

Wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the GI tract.

Segmentation

Rhythmic contractions of the intestines that mix food and aid in absorption.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the GI tract, consisting of a mucous membrane that lines the lumen.

Submucosa

The layer of the GI tract containing blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves.

Muscularis

A layer of muscle in the GI tract wall responsible for movement and peristalsis.

Adventitia/Serosa

The outermost layers of the GI tract, with serosa being the protective layer in the peritoneal cavity.

Rugae

Folds in the stomach lining that allow the stomach to expand when full.

Chyme

A semi-fluid mass of partly digested food expelled by the stomach into the duodenum.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps emulsify fats.

Pancreatic Juice

Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

A hormone released by the small intestine that stimulates bile and pancreatic juice release.

Secretin

A hormone that stimulates the secretion of bicarbonate from the pancreas and liver.

Peritoneum

A serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs.

Microvilli

Tiny projections on the surface of epithelial cells in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

Mass Movements

Powerful contractions in the large intestine that move fecal material toward the rectum.