Digestive System Flashcards
(170 cards)
digestion
the breakdown from complex to simple; from mouthful to molecule via mechanical and chemical actions
absorption
the uptake of nutrients into the body which must be broken down to the level of molecules to be absorbed
polyp
abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane on the inside of the colon, may be cancerous
haustra
small pouches caused by sacculation which give the colon its segmented appearance
taeniae coli
3 separate longitudinal ribbons of smooth muscle on the outside of the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colon
peristalsis
rhythmic muscular waves if contraction by which the alimentary canal moves its contents toward the rectum
diverticulosis (tics)
pouches on the wall of the colon which may never be discovered unless inflamed
diverticulitis
inflammation of pouches on the wall of the colon
lacteals
numerous small intestinal lymph carrying vessels that convey chyle from the intestine to lymphatic circulation and thereby to the thoracic duct
fat soluble nutrients
nutrients that reside in the bodys fatty tissue and liver and used by the body as needed
water soluble nutrients
nutrients that dissolve in water, not generally stored in the body
functions of saliva
enzymes that begin carbohydrate digestion
forms bolus,
lubricates passageway to ease passage of bolus
maintain alkaline pH in the mouth
functions of pharynx
passageway for air/food (naso - air only; oro & laryngo - air and food
functions of esophagus
parastaltic action which carries bolus from laryngopharynx to stomach
functions of stomach
storage of food; chemical and mechanical digestion
chemical digestion
secretions of acids/enzymes
mechanical digestion
churning/peristalsis
functions of small intestine
digestion - from bolus to molecules (enzymes)
absorption - nutrients
functions of large intestine
absorption of water and elimination of waste product
functions of gall bladder
storage of bile, concentration of bile, evacuate of bile as needed during digestion
functions of bile
elimination of waste pigment bilirubin
emulsifier
functions of pancreas
exocrine - through a duct - digestive enzymes and alkaline fluids
endocrine - direct in blood - insulin and glucagon
portal circulatory system
circulation of blood through larger vessels from the capillaries of one organ to those of another; from gastrointestinal tract and spleen through the portal vein to the liver
fistula
abnormal connection between and organ, vessekm or intestine and another structure; usually caused by surgery but also from infection/inflammation