Anatomy and Physiology Vocabulary Flashcards Chapter 21

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms in Anatomy and Physiology related to the digestive system.

Pepsin

Enzyme secreted in the stomach that hydrolyzes peptide bonds.

Peristalsis

Wave-like muscular contractions that propel food along the digestive tract.

Portal vein

Carries oxygen-poor but nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs and spleen to the liver.

Proteases

Enzymes working in the stomach and small intestine to break peptide bonds.

Rectum

Last 7 to 8 inches of the intestine.

Rugae

Folds of mucosa and submucosa in the stomach.

Salivary glands

Glands in the oral cavity that secrete saliva.

Segmentation

Type of contraction in the small intestine that involves ring-like constrictions.

Sigmoid colon

Lower portion of the colon that forms an S shape down to the rectum.

Soft palate

Structure consisting mostly of skeletal muscle that forms an arch between the mouth and nasopharynx.

Sublingual gland

Salivary gland that drains through multiple ducts onto the floor of the mouth.

Submandibular gland

Salivary gland that empties into the mouth on either side of the lingual frenulum.

Transverse colon

Middle part of the large intestine, passing below the liver, stomach, and spleen.

Uvula

Cone-shaped process hanging downward from the soft palate.

Gastric pits

Depressions within the gastric mucosa containing glands that secrete components of gastric juice.

Gingiva

Tissue surrounding the necks of teeth, commonly referred to as the gums.

Greater omentum

Large apron-like portion of mesentery that hangs over the small intestine.

Hard palate

Bony structure that separates the mouth from the nasal cavity.

Haustra

Pouches along the length of the large intestine.

Hepatic artery

Delivers oxygenated blood to the liver.

Ileocecal valve

Valve at the point where the ileum meets the large intestine; helps ensure that material moves only in a forward direction.

Ileum

The third and last portion of the small intestine.

Intestinal crypt

Pores at the bases of gastric villi that contain goblet cells.

Intestinal phase

Phase of digestion that begins when chyme moves into the duodenum.

Intraperitoneal

Organs enclosed by mesentery on both sides, placing them within the peritoneal cavity.

Jejunum

The second portion of the small intestine; location where many nutrients are absorbed.

Lacteal

Lymph vessel found inside the villi of the small intestine.

Lesser omentum

Portion of mesentery extending from the lesser curve of the stomach to the liver.

Lingual frenulum

Fold of mucous membrane that anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

Lipase

Enzyme that digests fat.

Mastication

Process of chewing, which begins the digestion of food.

Mesentery

Sheet of connective tissue that suspends the digestive organs within the abdominal cavity.

Mucous cells

Gastric cells that secrete mucus.

Parietal cells

Gastric cells that secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor.

Parotid gland

Salivary gland located just underneath the skin anterior to the ear.

Acinar cells

Pancreatic cells that secrete digestive enzymes in an inactive form.

Amylase

Enzyme contained in saliva that breaks down starch.

Anal canal

Last inch of the rectum; opens to the exterior through the anus.

Appendix

Tubular organ attached to the lower end of the cecum; serves as a source for immune cells.

Ascending colon

First main part of the large intestine, which extends upward toward the liver.

Ascites

Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Bile

Yellow-green fluid secreted by the liver that aids in digestion.

Cecum

Blind pouch that serves as the beginning of the large intestine.

Cementum

Connective tissue covering dentin in the root of a tooth.

Cephalic phase

Phase of digestion that begins with the sight, smell, taste, or thought of food.

Chief cells

Cells in the gastric mucosa that secrete digestive enzymes.

Chyme

Semifluid mixture consisting of particles of food mixed with digestive juices.

Dentin

Firm, yellowish tissue forming the bulk of a tooth.

Descending colon

Portion of large intestine extending downward along the left side of the abdominal cavity.

Duodenum

The first 10 inches of small intestine; the portion of intestine that performs most digestive processes.

Enteric nervous system

Network of nerves innervating the digestive system.

Enteroendocrine cells

Cells in the gastric mucosa that secrete the hormone ghrelin.

Esophagus

Muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach.

Gallbladder

Sac attached to the liver that stores and concentrates bile.

Gastric phase

Phase of digestion that begins when food enters the stomach.