The Digestive System: Stomach and Small Intestine

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the digestive system focusing on the stomach and small intestine.

Stomach

A muscular sac with thick walls that continues the processes of mechanical and chemical digestion.

Maceration

The churning process in the stomach that helps to propel food toward the small intestine.

Chyme

The soupy mixture formed from the food and gastric juices in the stomach.

Cardiac Sphincter

The sphincter that separates the esophagus from the stomach.

Pyloric Sphincter

The sphincter that separates the stomach from the small intestine.

Villi

Tiny, finger-like projections in the lining of the small intestine filled with blood vessels that absorb nutrients.

Microvilli

Small extensions on the villi that further increase the surface area for absorption in the small intestine.

Secretin

A digestive hormone that inhibits the release of gastric juices when chyme is very acidic.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

A hormone that causes the gall bladder to release bile.

Segmentation

The process by which circular muscles in the intestinal wall slow down the movement of chyme to allow nutrient absorption.

Gastric Gland Cells

Cells in the stomach that secrete gastric juices, including mucous cells, chief cells, and parietal cells.

Rugae

Folds in the mucosa of the stomach that stretch when the stomach is full.