Digestive System Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the digestive system.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into smaller structures and molecules.

Ingestion

The act of taking in food and drinks.

Absorption

The movement of nutrients and water across the gastrointestinal tract into blood and lymph vessels.

Mastication

Mechanical digestion performed by teeth and tongue to break down food.

Peristalsis

Waves of contractions along the GI tract that push material forward.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract that lines the lumen.

Submucosa

Connective tissue layer that contains blood vessels, nerves, and sometimes mucous glands.

Accessory organs

Organs that are not part of the digestive tract but assist in digestion, such as salivary glands, liver, and pancreas.

Segmentation

Rhythmic contraction in the GI tract that mixes food with digestive enzymes without moving it forward.

Peritoneum

A serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and supports digestive organs.

Teniae coli

Three thin bands of longitudinal muscle in the large intestine that aid in movement.

Chyme

The thick, soupy, acidic mixture of partially digested food formed in the stomach.

Gastric glands

Cells in the stomach that secrete digestive enzymes, hormones, and hydrochloric acid.

Villi

Small projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

Haustra

Pouches formed by the teniae coli in the large intestine.

Bolus

A soft, moist mass of food and saliva formed in the mouth for swallowing.

Gingivae

Gums that provide support and protection for the teeth.

Gastric pits

Indentations in the stomach lining where digestive secretions are produced.