Digestive System Vocabulary Flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the digestive system, including anatomy, physiology, and associated disorders.

Gastroenterology

The study of the digestive tract and the diagnosis and treatment of its disorders.

Ingestion

The selective intake of food.

Digestion

The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into a form usable by the body.

Absorption

The uptake of nutrient molecules into the epithelial cells of the digestive tract and then into the blood.

Compaction

The absorbing of water and consolidating of indigestible residue into feces.

Defecation

The elimination of feces.

Mechanical digestion

The physical breakdown of food into smaller particles.

Chemical digestion

A series of hydrolysis reactions that breaks dietary macromolecules into their monomers.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates that are broken down into monosaccharides.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that are the end products of polysaccharide digestion.

Amino acids

The building blocks of proteins, resulting from protein digestion.

Monoglycerides

The products of fat digestion along with fatty acids.

Vitamins

Organic molecules required in small amounts for normal metabolism.

Minerals

Inorganic substances that are essential for various bodily functions.

Cholesterol

A lipid molecule that is essential for building cells and hormones.

Water

A vital substance for digestion, hydration, and cellular functions.

Digestive function

The organ system that processes food, extracts nutrients from it, and eliminates the residue.

Alimentary canal

Another name for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; a 30-foot long muscular tube extending from mouth to anus.

Accessory organs

Organs that assist in digestion but are not part of the digestive tract, e.g., liver, gallbladder, pancreas.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that transports food from the pharynx to the stomach.

Stomach

An organ that stores food, begins digestion of proteins and fats, and mixes food with gastric juices.

Small intestine

The organ where most enzymatic digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs.

Large intestine

The organ that reabsorbs water and compacts waste into feces.

Chyme

The soupy or pasty mixture of semi-digested food found in the stomach.

Peristalsis

The wave-like muscle contractions that propel food through the digestive tract.

Segmentation

Local contractions of the intestine that mix food and secretions.

Enteric nervous system

A complex network of neurons that governs the functioning of the gastrointestinal system.

Peritoneum

A serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers abdominal organs.

Intraperitoneal

Referring to organs that are enclosed by peritoneum on both sides.

Retroperitoneal

Referring to organs located behind the peritoneum.

Mesentery

Connective tissue sheets that anchor parts of the digestive tract to the dorsal body wall.

Rugae

Internal folds of the stomach lining that allow for expansion.

Gastric glands

Glands in the stomach that produce gastric juice containing HCl and enzymes.

Pepsinogen

An inactive enzyme that is converted to pepsin in the presence of acid.

Intrinsic factor

A protein secreted by the stomach necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.

Hepatic portal system

The system of blood vessels that carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.

Cirrhosis

A chronic liver disease characterized by degeneration of liver cells and replacement with scar tissue.

Gallstones

Hard masses formed from crystallized bile components that can block bile ducts.

Acinous cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce digestive enzymes.

Pancreatic enzymes

Enzymes such as amylase and lipase that break down carbohydrates and fats.

Defecation reflex

The reflex that triggers the urge to defecate when the rectum is distended.

Colitis

Inflammation of the colon, often resulting in diarrhea or constipation.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix, often requiring surgical removal.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation of diverticula (pouches) that can form in the wall of the colon.

Gastroesophageal reflux

Backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, often causing heartburn.

Lactose intolerance

Inability to digest lactose due to a deficiency of lactase enzyme.

Flatus

Intestinal gas produced during digestion.

Fiber

The indigestible part of plant foods that aids in digestion.

Fecal compaction

The process of absorbing water from waste to form solid feces.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

An acid produced in the stomach that aids in digestion.

Bacterial flora

The community of bacteria living in the intestines that assist in digestion.

Chemical digestion

The breakdown of food into smaller molecules by enzymes.

Malabsorption syndrome

A condition in which the body cannot absorb certain nutrients properly.

Probiotics

Live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed adequately.

Antibiotics

Medications that can disrupt the balance of intestinal flora.

Sphincter

A circular muscle that constricts a passage or orifice.

Ambulatory care

Health care provided on an outpatient basis.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

Motility

The ability of the digestive system to move food along the tract.

Celiac disease

An autoimmune disorder triggered by consumption of gluten.

Constipation

A condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements.

Diarrhea

Frequent, watery bowel movements.

Borborygmus

The rumbling sound produced by the movement of gas in the intestines.

Anorexia

Loss of appetite.

Bulimia

An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging.

Gastrectomy

Surgical removal of part or all of the stomach.

Hernia

An abnormal protrusion of an organ through a defect in the surrounding tissue.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Food intolerance

An adverse reaction to food that does not involve the immune system.

Nutrient density

The amount of essential nutrients per calorie of food.

Fortification

The addition of nutrients to food.

Digestion

The processes by which food is broken down and absorbed.

Hepatotoxic

Substances that can cause damage to the liver.

Ascites

Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Polyps

Abnormal growths on the lining of the digestive tract, can be precursors to cancer.

Bile acids

Acids produced in the liver that are involved in the digestion of fats.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of tissue in the gastrointestinal tract.

Submucosa

The layer of connective tissue supporting the mucosa.

Muscularis externa

The layer of muscle responsible for peristalsis.

Serosa

The outermost layer of tissue covering the organs in the abdominal cavity.

Vitamin K

A fat-soluble vitamin produced by gut bacteria that is essential for blood clotting.

Biotin

A B vitamin produced by gut bacteria that is important for metabolic processes.

Vagus nerve

The nerve that provides parasympathetic input to the digestive organs.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus that may cause discomfort.

Stenosis

Narrowing of a bodily lumen, can affect the gastrointestinal tract.

Jejunum

The middle segment of the small intestine, primarily involved in nutrient absorption.

Ileum

The final segment of the small intestine, connecting to the large intestine.

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine, where most chemical digestion occurs.

Sialorrhea

Excess saliva production.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver, often viral in origin.

Jaundice

A condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to excessive bilirubin.

Steatorrhea

Fatty stool caused by malabsorption of fats.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas.

Enteritis

Inflammation of the intestine, usually small intestine.

Dysentery

Diarrhea containing blood and mucus.

pH

A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Alkaline

Having a pH greater than 7, typically associated with base substances.

Fecal impaction

Severe constipation where stool becomes hard and lodged in the colon.