Digestive System: Common Processes and Structures

A set of vocabulary flashcards detailing the mechanisms and anatomical structures involved in digestion and swallowing as described in the lecture notes.

Peristalsis

Rhythmic waves of smooth muscle contraction in the walls of the digestive system that push food along.

Sphincters

Muscular ring-like valves that regulate the passage of material between sections of the digestive system.

Accessory glands

Organs including the salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gall bladder that secrete digestive juices such as enzymes and fluids.

Bolus of food

A ball-like mass of food prepared by the tongue for swallowing.

Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage that closes the trachea (windpipe) when swallowing to prevent food from entering the lungs.

Oesophagus

The tube that moves food along to the stomach through the process of peristalsis.

Trachea

The windpipe that must be closed off during swallowing to prevent choking.

Esophageal sphincter

A muscular valve that regulates the entry of food into the esophagus by contracting or relaxing.