Digestive Systems and Nutrition

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to digestive systems and human nutrition.

Digestive System

Includes all the organs, tissues, and cells involved in ingesting food and breaking it down into smaller components.

Incomplete Digestive Tract

A digestive tract with a single opening used for both intake of food and exit of wastes.

Complete Digestive Tract

A digestive tract with two openings for intake of food and exit of wastes.

Peristalsis

The contraction of smooth muscle layers in the gut that moves food through the digestive tract.

Chyme

The semi-fluid mass of partly digested food that is expelled by the stomach and enters the small intestine.

Salivary Amylase

An enzyme secreted in saliva that initiates the digestion of starch.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder; aids in the emulsification of fats.

Gastric Pits

Invaginations in the epithelial lining of the stomach that lead to gastric glands, which secrete digestive substances.

Villi

Finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients.

Gallbladder

A muscular sac that stores bile produced by the liver before it is released into the small intestine.

Fiber

Various undigestible carbohydrates derived from plants that aid in digestion and bowel movement.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy carrier in biological organisms.

Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

Sphincters

Muscular valves that regulate the passage of food through the digestive tract.

Chylomicron

A lipoprotein particle that transports dietary lipids from the intestines to other locations in the body.

Cirrhosis

Scarring of liver tissue due to long-term damage, often related to alcohol use or chronic viral hepatitis.

Obesity

A condition characterized by excessive body fat, increasing the risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Disease

A class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels, often associated with diet and lifestyle.