Chapter 6: Digestive System Flashcards
(139 cards)
GI tract (alimentary canal)
Digestive tube that extends from the mouth to the anus and varies in size
Gastrointestinal
Aka the digestive system consists of a digestive tube, and several accessory organs whose primary function is to break down food, prepare it for absorption, and eliminate waste
Bilirubin
Orange yellow pigment formed during destruction of erythrocytes that is taken up by the liver cells to form ______ and eventually excreted in the feces
Bolus
Mass of masticated food ready to be swallowed
Exocrine
Gland that secretes products through excretory ducts to the surface of an organ or tissue or into a vessel
Sphincter
Circular band of muscle fibers that constricts a passage or close a natural opening of the body
Triglycerides
Organic compound, a true fat, that is made of one glycerol and three fatty acids
Oral cavity
Aka mouth, is a receptacle for food
Bucca
Cheeks
Teeth
Play an important role in initial stages of digestion by mechanically breaking down food into smaller pieces as they mix it with saliva
Mastication
Breaking down food
Dentin
Main structure of the tooth
Pulp
Innermost part of the tooth which contains nerves and blood vessels
Gums (gingiva)
Pink, fleshy tissue that teeth are embedded in
Tongue
Assists in the chewing process by manipulating the bolus of food during chewing and moving it to the back of the mouth for swallowing
Papillae
Rough projections on the surface of the tongue
Hard palate
Part of the roof of the mouth (anterior portion)
Soft palate
Part of the roof of the mouth (posterior portion)
Pharynx
Aka throat that serves as a passageway to the respiratory and GI tracts and provides a resonating chamber for speech sounds
Uvula
Soft, fleshy, v shaped structure
Deglutition
Aka swallowing
Trachea
Portion of the pharynx tube that leads to the lungs
Esophagus
Portion of the pharynx that leads to the stomach
Epiglottis
Small flap of cartilage folds back to cover the trachea during swallowing, forcing food to enter the esophagus