Chapter 9 - Vocabulary Flashcards
Active Transport
the transportation of materials through a cell membrane using energy from the cell.
Amylase
an enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates.
Anabolism
the metabolic reactions that use energy to produce larger molecules from smaller subunits.
Anus
the opening at the lower end of the large intestine through which digestive wastes are eliminated from the body.
Basal Metabolic Rate
the minimum amount of energy required to keep you alive.
Bile
a substance that emulsifies fats for faster breakdown by lipases; produced by the liver.
Catabolism
the metabolic reactions that break down larger molecules into smaller subunits.
Cecum
a blind pouch at the upper end of the large intestine.
Chyme
a semi-liquid mixture of food and gastric juice.
Colon
the longest part of the large intestine.
Concentration Gradient
the difference in the number of molecules or ions of a substance in a given volume between adjoining areas.
Diarrhea
loose or watery feces.
Egestion
the removal of waste food materials from the body.
Emesis
the expulsion of stomach contents through the esophagus and the mouth; also known as vomiting.
Endoscopy
any medical procedure that uses an endoscope to look inside the body.
Enterokinase
an enzyme of the small intestine that converts inactive trypsinogen into trypsin.
Enzyme
any chemical produced by cells that facilitates biochemical reactions in the body, such as those involved in digestion and metabolism; all enzymes are proteins.
Esophagus
an organ consisting of a muscular tube that passes food from the pharynx to the stomach.
Facilitated Diffusion
the diffusion of molecules across a cell membrane via a transport protein.
Feces
the undigested material that is eliminated as waste from the body.
Gastrin
a hormone that stimulates the release of hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen in the stomach.
Gastrointestinal Tract (GI Tract)
the passageway or tube that extends from the mouth to the anus and in which the process of digestion takes place.
Gastrovascular Cavity
a simple, sac-like digestive cavity that has only one opening through which food is taken in and wastes are expelled.
Hormone
a chemical signal or messenger molecule, circulated through the body and used to coordinate cellular functions.
Lacteal
a lymphatic vessel within a villus, through which digested fats enter the circulatory system.
Lipase
an enzyme that digests lipids.
Metabolic Rate
the rate at which the body converts stored energy into working energy.
Metabolism
the set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms that are necessary to maintain life.
Microvillus
a microscopic projection of the cell membrane of certain types of epithelial cells; greatly increases the surface area of the cell.
Mineral
an element, such as calcium or phosphorus, required by the body in small amounts; plays a role in cell processes and repair.
Mucus
a protective secretion produced by the epithelial cells that form the mucous membrane.
Nausea
the feelings associated with having the urge to vomit.
Nutrient
A chemical that must be obtained by an organism from its environment in order to survive; nutrients provide the raw material for growth and repair and may be a source of energy.
Passive Transport
the movement of materials across a cell membrane without any expenditure of the cell’s energy.
Pepsin
a protein-digesting enzyme produced in the stomach.
Peristalsis
the rhythmic, involuntary wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
Rectum
the lower 20 cm of the large intestine, generally referred to as the lower bowel, where feces are stored.
Secretin
a hormone secreted by the duodenum that stimulates pancreatic and bile secretions.
Sphincter
the circular muscle that contracts to close an opening in the body.
Triglyceride
a lipid composed of glycerol and three fatty acids that are bonded together.
Trypsin
a protein-digesting enzyme produced from trypsinogen.
Ulcer
a lesion or open sore on the epithelium of an organ.
Villus
a small, finger-like projection of the small intestine mucosa.
Vitamin
an organic molecule that the body requires in small amounts as an essential nutrient.
