digestion terms Flashcards

1
Q

gastrointestinal (gi) tract

A

30 feet (9 meters) long continuous tube and the cells lining it function for 3-5 days, then shed into the lumen

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2
Q

digestive process

A

a multistep process of breaking down foods into absorbable components using mechanical and chemical means in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract

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3
Q

lumen

A

interior of the intestinal tract

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4
Q

mechanical digestion

A

chops us food, grinding/mixing of food, and movement of food through the system

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5
Q

chemical digestion

A

breakdown of food into absorbable nutrients

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6
Q

peristalsis

A

coordinated contractions of circular and longitudinal muscles propelling food (bolus) forward from the esophagus through the large intestine

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7
Q

bolus

A

food that has been chewed and mixed in the mouth with saliva (food mass)

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8
Q

segmentation

A

contraction of circular smooth muscle causing a sloshing motion

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9
Q

pendular movement

A

a constructive wave that involves both forward and reverse movements of chyme enhances nutrient absorption in small intestine

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10
Q

chyme

A

a semiliquid substance containing digestive secretions with the original food

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11
Q

gut microbiome

A

trillions of microbes, such as bacteria, that live in the human gut

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12
Q

probiotics

A

contain live organisms and contribute to gut health by adding specific strains of bacteria directly to the population of healthy microbes in the gut

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13
Q

prebiotics

A

plant fibers acting like fertilizers that stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut

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14
Q

saliva

A

products of mastication are mixed with saliva which contains water, electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes

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15
Q

mucus

A

lubrication and protects stomach lining from damage

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16
Q

pharynx

A

4 inch muscular tube, directs air from nose and mouth down to your larynx, which moves air to your trachea and lungs

17
Q

epiglottis

A

closes off trachea during swallowing to prevent food from lodging in the windpipe

18
Q

esophagus

A

upper esophagus contains skeletal muscle and is under voluntary control (somatic nervous system), lower esophagus contains smooth muscle and is under involuntary control (autonomic and enteric nervous system)

19
Q

gastroesophageal sphincter (lower esophageal sphincter (les))

A

bottom of esophagus narrows and relaxes to allow food into stomach