Digestive System Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomical structures, physiological functions, and clinical concepts from the Digestive System transcript.

Stensen's Duct

The parotid gland duct that opens into the oral cavity opposite the second upper molar.

Filiform Papillae

Lingual papillae with a purely mechanical function that do not contain taste buds.

Hypoglossal Nerve (CN XII)

The cranial nerve directly responsible for the motor function of the tongue.

Submandibular Gland

A salivary gland that produces a mixed, predominantly serous secretion.

Sublingual Gland

A salivary gland that produces a mixed, predominantly mucous secretion.

Acinar Cells

Exocrine pancreatic cells directly involved in the production of digestive enzymes.

Secretin

A hormone that primarily stimulates pancreatic secretion rich in bicarbonate.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

A hormone that increases pancreatic enzyme secretion, contracts the gallbladder, and relaxes the sphincter of Oddi.

Hepatopancreatic Ampulla

The anatomical structure formed by the union of the main pancreatic duct and the common bile duct before entering the duodenum.

Hepatic Portal Vein

A blood vessel formed by the union of the superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein that delivers approximately 75% of nutrient-rich blood to the liver.

Portal Triad

A triad of structures consisting of the proper hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct found within a portal triad space.

Common Bile Duct (Choledochus)

The extrahepatic duct formed by the junction of the common hepatic duct and the cystic duct.

Ascites

An abnormal accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity, commonly seen in conditions like cirrhosis.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneum characterized by severe abdominal pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity/guarding, often caused by GI perforation.

Hernia

A protrusion of a meatus or abdominal organ through a weak area in the abdominal wall.

Lesser Sac (Omental Bursa)

A peritoneal space located posterior to the stomach that communicates with the greater sac via the epiploic foramen of Winslow.

Epiploic Foramen (Foramen of Winslow)

The opening through which the lesser sac communicates with the greater peritoneal sac.

Mesentery

A double layer of peritoneum that attaches the mobile small intestine to the abdominal wall, conducting blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.

Greater Omentum

A large peritoneal fold originating from the greater curvature of the stomach involved in fat storage, protection, and inflammatory containment.

Lesser Omentum

A peritoneal fold connecting the liver to the lesser curvature of the stomach and first part of the duodenum, containing the hepatogastric and hepatoduodenal ligaments.

Hepatoduodenal Ligament

The portion of the lesser omentum that houses the portal triad.

Splenorenal Ligament

A peritoneal fold containing the splenic vessels and the tail of the pancreas.

Lower Esophageal Sphincter

A functional high-pressure zone located at the esophagogastric junction that acts as an anti-reflux barrier.

Pyloric Sphincter

The smooth muscle sphincter controlling food emptying between the stomach and the duodenum.

Stomach Bed

The posterior retroperitoneal anatomical region upon which the stomach rests, including the pancreas.

Celiac Trunk

The primary arterial source from which the blood supply of the stomach originates.

Meissner's Plexus

An autonomic nerve network located in the submucosal layer of the alimentary canal wall.

Auerbach's Plexus

An autonomic nerve network situated between the circular and longitudinal layers of the muscularis externa.

Chyme

The semi-fluid substance created in the stomach by the mechanical and chemical mixing of ingested food with gastric secretions.

Duodenum

The first segment of the small intestine, approximately 25 cm long, closely surrounding the head of the pancreas and receiving bile and pancreatic juices in its descending portion.

Jejunum

The proximal two-fifths of the mobile small intestine specialized for nutrient absorption.

Ileum

The distal three-fifths of the mobile small intestine that ends at the ileocecal valve.

Pectinate Line

An anatomical landmark in the anal canal denoting the transition point for embryonic origin, blood supply, nerve innervation, and visceral vs. somatic sensitivity.

Rectal Ampulla

The expanded distal portion of the rectum that acts as a temporary reservoir for fecal material.