Digestive system

Primary function of the gastrointestinal (GI) system

To digest food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste.

Alimentary canal

A continuous tube from the mouth to the anus where digestion and absorption occur.

Type of muscle producing peristalsis in the GI tract

Smooth muscle.

Peristalsis

Wave-like contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Process that breaks food down mechanically in the mouth

Mastication (chewing).

Enzyme that begins carbohydrate digestion in the mouth

Salivary amylase.

Bolus

A small rounded mass of chewed food ready to be swallowed.

Deglutition

Swallowing of the food bolus.

Structure preventing food from entering the respiratory tract during swallowing

Epiglottis.

Movement of food through the esophagus to the stomach

Peristaltic waves.

Sphincter preventing acid reflux into the esophagus

Lower esophageal sphincter.

Substance food is converted into in the stomach

Chyme.

Hormone regulating gastric secretions in the stomach

Gastrin.

Enzyme that digests proteins in the stomach

Pepsin.

Function of intrinsic factor

Promotes vitamin B12 absorption.

Primary function of the duodenum

Chemical digestion using bile and pancreatic enzymes.

Hormone causing the gallbladder to release bile

Cholecystokinin (CCK).

Role of bile in digestion

Emulsifies fats to increase surface area for digestion.

Structures that increase absorption in the small intestine

Villi and plicae circularae.

Main function of the large intestine

Absorption of water and electrolytes and formation of feces.