Digestive System Flashcards
(132 cards)
Absorption
Is the processing of foods in absorbable form into the blood stream, most of which occurs in the small intestines.
Digestion
The process by which foods are broken down mechanically and chemically; then converted into absorbable forms or molecules small enough for blood to absorb.
Bile
Fluid secreted by the liver; stored, concentrated and released from the gall bladder into the duodenum.
Chyle
Contains lymph that is drained from the gastrointestinal tract.
Chyme
A mixture of partially digested food and gastric juice within the gastrointestinal tract.
Defecation
Discharge of feces from the rectum.
Deglutition
The act of swallowing.
Duodenum
First section of small intestine. Shaped like the letter C is the first foot or 10 inches of the small intestine. It lies near the head of the pancreas in a hollow surface. Common site for peptic ulcers.
Emulsify
To disperse (as an oil) in an emulsion. also : to convert (two or more immiscible liquids) into an emulsion .Mayo is a mixture or an emulsification of oil and water. Mustard helps to emulsify vinaigrette.
Esophagus
A portion of the gastrointestinal tract between the pharnyx and the stomach.
Hydrolysis
A chemical reaction in which water is used during the breakdown of complex molecules (i.e. carbohydrates, proteins, fats).
Ingestion
Introduction of food and drink into the GI tract.
Small Intestine
A convoluted (coiled) tube that extends from the stomach to the large intestine. The greatest amount of digestion takes place in the small intestine.
Peptic Ulcer
Are found in the mucous membranes of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. These are areas where the tissue is destroyed, possible causes cigarette smoking, gastric acid/pepsin, stress, drugs/alcohol (aspirin).
Liver
An accessory organ of the digestive system. Main digestive function is to produce bile which emulsifies fat.
Mastication
The act of chewing.
Pancreas
An accessory organ that acts as a exocrine and endocrine gland. Produced pancreatic juice (exocrine) to help digest fats, proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Also produces hormones (endocrine), insulin and glycagon which regulate digestion of carbohydrates and blood sugar.
Peristalsis
Meaning to contract around- is the basic propulsive movement of the gastrointestinal tract.
Peritoneum
The area of the abdominal and pelvic cavities where the walls are lined with a serous membrane.
Saliva
Produced by the salivary glands, it is a clear fluid that acts as a buffer to fermentation acids that wear down teeth enamel, acts as a lubricant in chewing and swallowing and contains salivary amylase which converts starch into sugar (maltose).
Sphincter
A ring of muscle surrounding and serving to guard or close an opening or tube, such as the anus or the openings of the stomach.
Stomach
Located just below the diaphragm, the alimentary canal expands to form the stomach, a pouch-like structure that serves as a reservoir for food during the early stages of digestion.
Villi (villus-sligular)
Any of the fingerlike or threadlike projections from the surface of certain membranous structures, typically serving to increase surface area and facilitate the passage of fluid or nutrients.
Digestive Tube (alimentary canal)
Is a long muscular tube lined with mucous membranes, extending from the lips to the anus.