Digestive System Anatomy and Physiology

Comprehensive practice vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy of the digestive system, including teeth types, liver histology, and intestinal structures based on lecture diagrams.

Parotid

One of the three main salivary glands located in the oral cavity area.

Sublingual

A salivary gland located beneath the tongue.

Submandibular

A salivary gland located below the jawbone.

Incisors

Chisel-shaped teeth used for biting.

Cuspids/Canine

Cone-shaped teeth used for tearing food.

Molars

Flattened teeth used for grinding.

Bicuspids/Premolars

Somewhat flattened teeth used for grinding.

Enamel

The outermost hard layer covering the crown of a tooth.

Dentin

The bone-like substance located beneath the enamel of a tooth.

Pulp cavity

The central part of the tooth that contains the nerve and blood supply.

Gingiva

The anatomical term for the gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

Cementum

A specialized calcified substance covering the root of a tooth.

Periodontal ligament

The physical structure that attaches the tooth root to the surrounding jaw bone.

Hepatocytes

Hepatic cells which are the primary functional cells of the liver.

Kupffer cell

A specialized macrophage located within the liver.

Hepatic sinusoid

Small blood vessels in the liver that facilitate the exchange of substances between blood and hepatocytes.

Bile canaliculi

Small channels that collect bile produced by the hepatocytes.

Pancreatic Acinar cells

Exocrine cells of the pancreas that produce and transport enzymes.

Islets of Langerhans

Clusters of endocrine cells found within the pancreas.

Pyloric valve

A sphincter that controls the passage of partially digested food from the stomach to the duodenum.

Villus

A finger-like projection in the small intestine that increases surface area for absorption.

Lacteal

A lymphatic capillary located within a villus of the small intestine.

Microvilli

Microscopic projections on the surface of the villi that further increase absorption area.

Mesentery

A fold of tissue that attaches the small intestine (specifically the jejunum and ileum) to the abdominal wall.

Ileocecal valve

A sphincter muscle situated at the junction of the ileum (small intestine) and the cecum (large intestine).

Sigmoid colon

The S-shaped section of the large intestine that connects the descending colon to the rectum.

Cystic duct

The duct that connects the gall bladder to the common bile duct.