Digestive System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on the digestive system, helping in the review of the anatomical structures, functions, and processes involved in digestion.

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract

Also called the alimentary canal; a muscular tube extending from the oral cavity to the anus.

Mucosal epithelium

The epithelia lining the digestive tract composed either of simple or stratified epithelium depending on the location and function.

Peristalsis

A wave-like muscular contraction that moves food through the digestive tract.

Salivary glands

Glands that produce saliva to lubricate the mouth and begin the digestion of carbohydrates.

Gastric pits

Shallow depressions in the stomach lining that open onto the gastric surface.

Intrinsic factor

A glycoprotein produced by the stomach essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.

Chyme

Partially digested food that is passed from the stomach to the small intestine.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that emulsifies fats.

Pancreatic juice

Digestive fluid secreted by the pancreas containing enzymes to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Ileocecal valve

A sphincter that controls the flow of material from the small intestine into the large intestine.

Absorption

The process of taking in nutrients and substances across the digestive epithelium into the body.

Excretion

The removal of waste products from body fluids.

Cephalic phase

The first phase of gastric secretion initiated by the sight, smell, or thought of food.

Gastric phase

The phase of gastric secretion that starts with the arrival of food in the stomach.

Intestinal phase

The phase of gastric secretion that begins when chyme enters the small intestine.

Bicarbonate

A substance secreted by the pancreas to neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine.

Gallbladder

An organ that stores and concentrates bile, releasing it into the duodenum when needed.

Villi

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

Cecum

The beginning part of the large intestine where the ileum connects to the colon.

Feces

Solid waste material eliminated from the digestive tract.

Mechanical digestion

The physical process of breaking down food into smaller pieces.

Chemical digestion

The process of breaking down food into simpler nutrients by enzymes.

Proteolytic enzymes

Enzymes that break down proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids.