Digestive_System_Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is the primary function of the digestive system?
Breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.
Why is understanding digestive terminology important?
For accurate communication in healthcare.
What is a word root?
The core meaning of a term, often indicating a body part (e.g., ‘gastr’ for stomach).
What is a combining form?
A word root with a vowel for smoother connections (e.g., ‘gastro’).
What does the prefix ‘dys-‘ mean?
Abnormal (e.g., dysphagia: difficulty swallowing).
What does the suffix ‘-itis’ mean?
Inflammation (e.g., colitis).
Break down ‘hepatomegaly.’
Hepat(o) (liver) + -megaly (enlargement) = Enlargement of the liver.
What is ingestion?
Taking food into the mouth.
What is digestion?
The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food.
What is absorption?
Uptake of nutrients into the bloodstream.
What is excretion?
Removal of undigested waste.
What enzyme in saliva starts carbohydrate digestion?
Amylase.
What is the role of the esophagus?
Moves food to the stomach via peristalsis.
What does the stomach produce to aid digestion?
Gastric juices, including acid and enzymes.
What is chyme?
A semi-liquid mixture of food and digestive juices formed in the stomach.
What are the three sections of the small intestine?
Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
What is the function of the small intestine?
Main site of digestion and nutrient absorption.
What does the large intestine absorb?
Water and electrolytes.
What is the function of the liver?
Produces bile, detoxifies blood, and stores nutrients.
What is the function of the gallbladder?
Stores and concentrates bile.
What does the pancreas secrete?
Digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.
What is peristalsis?
Wave-like muscle contractions that move food.
What is bile?
A substance produced by the liver for fat digestion.
What do digestive enzymes do?
Speed up chemical reactions to break down food.
