Digestive System Flashcards
Absorption
the nutrients move into the bloodstream
Active Transport
the transportation of materials through a cell membrane using energy from the cell
Amino Acid
protein in food is broken down into amino acids, which are used by the body for various purposes
Amylase
an enzyme that is made by the salivary glands. It breaks down complex carbohydrates
Bile
a bitter greenish-brown alkaline fluid that aids digestion and is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder
Bolus
the name given to the food once it has been chewed
Carbohydrate
organic compounds occurring in foods including sugars and starches
Chemical digestion
powerful chemicals digest food
Chyme
the walls of the stomach churn food, transforming food chunks into chyme (liquid)
Circular folds
occur when the intestine folds in on itself inside the abdomen
Complex carbohydrates
such as fiber, are starches formed by longer saccharide chains, which mean take longer to break down
concentration gradient
the difference in the number of molecules or ions of a substance in a given volume between adjoining areas
diffusion
The movement of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
digestion
breaks food down into useful nutrients
digestive system
a group of organs that do three things: digestion, absorption, and elimination
duodenum
first part of the small intestine
elimination
the leftover waste is removed from the body
endoscopy
any medical procedure that uses an endoscope to look inside the body
enzymes
act to chemically break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids
esophagus
muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach.