Digestive System Overview

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to the digestive system, including definitions and important concepts.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into smaller components for absorption.

Absorption

The process of taking nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

GI Tract

Gastrointestinal tract; a complex system that includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and anus.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the GI tract that contains epithelial tissue and glandular cells.

Submucosa

The layer of connective tissue beneath the mucosa that contains blood vessels, nerves, and glands.

Muscularis

The layer composed of smooth muscle responsible for peristalsis and mechanical digestion.

Serosa

The outermost layer of the GI tract that provides a protective covering.

Rugae

Folds in the stomach lining that allow for expansion and increase surface area.

Chyme

A semi-liquid mixture of food and digestive juices formed in the stomach.

HCL (Hydrochloric Acid)

An acid released in the stomach that aids in digestion and kills harmful bacteria.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that is involved in emulsifying fats.

Pancreatic Juice

A fluid produced by the pancreas that contains digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.

Villi

Finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

Microvilli

Tiny projections on the surface of villi that further increase the absorptive surface area.

Absorptive Cells

Cells in the small intestine responsible for nutrient absorption.

Teniae Coli

Three bands of smooth muscle that run along the length of the colon, playing a role in forming haustra.

Haustra

Pouches formed in the large intestine that aid in the movement and storage of waste.

Lacteals

Lymphatic vessels in the villi that absorb dietary lipids.

Gastric Juice

A mixture of all digestive secretions in the stomach, including HCl and pepsin.

Secretin

A hormone released in the small intestine that stimulates bicarbonate secretion from the pancreas.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

A hormone that stimulates the gallbladder to contract and release bile.