Chap 18

Flashcards about the Digestive System

Motility

A function of the digestive system involving movement of the digestive tract.

Secretion

A function of the digestive system involving the release of enzymes, hormones, and other substances to aid in digestion.

Digestion

A function of the digestive system involving the breakdown of food into smaller molecules.

Absorption

A function of the digestive system involving the uptake of digested nutrients into the body.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the digestive tract.

Submucosa

A layer of the digestive tract that contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves.

Muscularis Externa

A layer of the digestive tract responsible for motility.

Mouth (Oral Cavity)

The initial part of the digestive tract where food breakdown begins.

Salivary Amylase

An enzyme in saliva that begins the digestion of carbohydrates.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach.

Peristaltic Waves

Waves of muscle contractions that push food through the esophagus.

Stomach

An organ that stores, mixes, and prepares food for digestion.

HCl

A secretion of the stomach.

Pepsin

A secretion of the stomach that functions in digestion.

Gastrin

A secretion of the stomach that functions in digestion.

Chyme

The partially digested food mixture that passes from the stomach into the small intestine.

Pyloric Sphincter

The sphincter that controls the release of chyme into the small intestine.

Duodenum

The first segment of the small intestine.

Jejunum

The second segment of the small intestine.

Ileum

The third segment of the small intestine.

Villi

Small, finger-like projections that increase the surface area of the small intestine for absorption.

Microvilli

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

Lipase

A pancreatic enzyme that digests fats.

Amylase

A pancreatic enzyme that digests carbohydrates.

Protease

A pancreatic enzyme that digests proteins.

Large Intestine

The final section of the digestive tract, responsible for water and electrolyte absorption and the formation/storage of fecal matter.

Colon

A major component of the large intestine.

Pancreas

An accessory digestive organ with both exocrine and endocrine functions; secretes enzymes and bicarbonate.

Liver

The largest metabolic organ in the body; produces bile and performs many other functions.

Gallbladder

An organ that stores and concentrates bile.

Bile

A fluid produced by the liver that aids in fat digestion and absorption.

Bile Salts

Components of bile that emulsify fats.

Gastrin

A hormone that increases gastric secretions.

Cholecystokinin

A hormone secreted by the small intestine.

Secretin

A hormone secreted by the small intestine to regulate pancreatic and bile secretions.

Gastric Inhibitory Peptide

A hormone of the GI tract.

Amylase

An enzyme for digesting carbohydrates.

Pepsin

An enzyme for digesting proteins.

Lipase

An enzyme for digesting fats.