Human Anatomy and Physiology - Digestive System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the digestive system, including anatomy, physiological processes, and diseases.

Alimentary Canal

The entire passage along which food passes through the body from mouth to anus; includes the GI tract.

GI tract

Gastrointestinal tract; the organs involved in the digestion of food, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and anus.

Accessory Glands

Glands that play a role in digestion, such as the salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.

Peristalsis

The rhythmic contraction of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract that moves food through the digestive system.

Intrinsic controls

Regulatory mechanisms within the digestive tract that affect motility and secretion.

Extrinsic controls

Regulatory mechanisms that originate outside the digestive tract, influencing motility and secretion.

Motility

The movement of the digestive tract, including peristalsis and segmentation.

Chemical digestion

The breakdown of food through the action of enzymes and other substances.

Absorption

The process by which nutrients from digested food are taken into the body's cells.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

A hormone released by the duodenum that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the gallbladder.

Secretin

A hormone secreted by the small intestine that stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate to neutralize gastric acid.

Nucleases

Enzymes that digest nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).

Pepsin

An enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins into peptides.

Villi

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

Bile

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

Hepatic portal vein

The blood vessel that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.

Haustral contractions

Slow segmenting movements of the large intestine that aid in water absorption.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation of diverticula, which can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can cause pain and bleeding.

Intestinal obstruction

A blockage in the intestine that prevents food and fluid from passing through.

Cirrhosis

Chronic degradation of the liver leading to loss of function and scarring.

Gallstones

Solid particles that form from bile cholesterol and bilirubin and can block the bile ducts.