Lecture on Animal Digestion and Teeth

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to animal digestion, teeth types, and the digestive system's structure and functions.

Incisors

Teeth primarily used for cutting and biting.

Canines

Sharp teeth located behind incisors, primarily used for tearing.

Premolars

Teeth that grind food, positioned before the molars.

Molars

Teeth at the back of the jaw that primarily grind food.

Pharynx

The cavity that connects the oral cavity to the respiratory and GI tracts.

Esophagus

The tube through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach.

Epiglottis

A valve that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Monogastric

Animals with one true stomach, such as cats and dogs.

Ruminants

Animals with multiple stomachs, typically four, for processing food.

Herbivores

Animals that primarily eat plants.

Omnivores

Animals that eat both plants and meat.

Carnivores

Animals that primarily eat meat.

Peritoneum

The membrane that surrounds the abdominal organs.

Fungus

The upper rounded portion of the stomach.

Pylorus

The region where the stomach connects to the duodenum.

Villi

Tiny, hair-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.

Mastication

The process of chewing food.

Deglutition

The act of swallowing.

Peristalsis

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

Defecation

The act of expelling waste from the body.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fats.

Hepatocytes

Liver cells responsible for producing bile and processing nutrients.