Digestive System Flashcards
(39 cards)
What are the primary functions of the digestive system?
Break down of food and absorption of nutrients
What is mastication?
The chewing and crushing of food
What are three nutrients contained in most food?
Carbohydrates, proteins, fats
What enzymes are involved in breaking down carbohydrates?
Amylase and maltase
What is the alimentary canal?
A continuous tube from the mouth to the anus
What term is used to describe the muscular movement of food through the digestive system?
Peristalsis
What building blocks are proteins broken into?
Amino acids
What is another name for the large intestine?
Colon
What is the primary purpose of the colon?
Absorb water and vitamins
What are your incisors used for?
Cutting and slicing food
What is enamel made of?
Minerals like calcium
What condition is a result of the body not producing enough insulin?
Diabetes
What organ stores glycogen that can be converted easily for energy?
Liver
What is the name of the burning sensation caused by stomach acid splashing into the esophagus?
Heartburn
What is the opening that connects the mouth to the esophagus?
Pharynx
What protects the stomach from the acid produced there?
Mucus produced from glands in the stomach
Why are villi important?
Increase surface area needed for absorption of nutrients
What organ produces both enzymes and hormones?
Pancreas
What is the primary function of the epiglottis?
Prevents food from entering trachea
What type of muscular movement moves food back and forth in the small intestine?
Segmentation
What is the function of the appendix?
Stores commensal bacteria
What structure is found in front of the esophagus, and is used in the respiratory system?
Trachea
What is liquified, digested food called?
Chyme
What enzymes help break down proteins in the stomach?
Pepsin