Digestive System Flashcards
Absorption
Is the processing of foods in absorbable form into the blood stream, most of which occurs in the small intestines.
Digestion
The process by which foods are broken down mechanically and chemically; then converted into absorbable forms or molecules small enough for blood to absorb.
Bile
Fluid secreted by the liver; stored, concentrated and released from the gall bladder into the duodenum.
Chyle
Contains lymph that is drained from the gastrointestinal tract.
Chyme
A mixture of partially digested food and gastric juice within the gastrointestinal tract.
Defecation
Discharge of feces from the rectum.
Deglutition
The act of swallowing.
Duodenum
First section of small intestine. Shaped like the letter C is the first foot or 10 inches of the small intestine. It lies near the head of the pancreas in a hollow surface. Common site for peptic ulcers.
Emulsify
To disperse (as an oil) in an emulsion. also : to convert (two or more immiscible liquids) into an emulsion .Mayo is a mixture or an emulsification of oil and water. Mustard helps to emulsify vinaigrette.
Esophagus
A portion of the gastrointestinal tract between the pharnyx and the stomach.
Hydrolysis
A chemical reaction in which water is used during the breakdown of complex molecules (i.e. carbohydrates, proteins, fats).
Ingestion
Introduction of food and drink into the GI tract.
Small Intestine
A convoluted (coiled) tube that extends from the stomach to the large intestine. The greatest amount of digestion takes place in the small intestine.
Peptic Ulcer
Are found in the mucous membranes of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. These are areas where the tissue is destroyed, possible causes cigarette smoking, gastric acid/pepsin, stress, drugs/alcohol (aspirin).
Liver
An accessory organ of the digestive system. Main digestive function is to produce bile which emulsifies fat.
Mastication
The act of chewing.
Pancreas
An accessory organ that acts as a exocrine and endocrine gland. Produced pancreatic juice (exocrine) to help digest fats, proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Also produces hormones (endocrine), insulin and glycagon which regulate digestion of carbohydrates and blood sugar.
Peristalsis
Meaning to contract around- is the basic propulsive movement of the gastrointestinal tract.
Peritoneum
The area of the abdominal and pelvic cavities where the walls are lined with a serous membrane.
Saliva
Produced by the salivary glands, it is a clear fluid that acts as a buffer to fermentation acids that wear down teeth enamel, acts as a lubricant in chewing and swallowing and contains salivary amylase which converts starch into sugar (maltose).
Sphincter
A ring of muscle surrounding and serving to guard or close an opening or tube, such as the anus or the openings of the stomach.
Stomach
Located just below the diaphragm, the alimentary canal expands to form the stomach, a pouch-like structure that serves as a reservoir for food during the early stages of digestion.
Villi (villus-sligular)
Any of the fingerlike or threadlike projections from the surface of certain membranous structures, typically serving to increase surface area and facilitate the passage of fluid or nutrients.
Digestive Tube (alimentary canal)
Is a long muscular tube lined with mucous membranes, extending from the lips to the anus.
Accessory Organs
The function of the digestive tube or the alimentary canal are enhanced by the tongue, teeth, salivary glands, liver, gall bladder and pancreas.
Peritoneal Cavity
The space between the parietal and visceral layers of the peritoneum.
Peritoneal Fluid
The fluid that occupies the space between the parietal and visceral layers of the peritoneum.
Peritonitis
An inflammation of the peritoneum.
Buccal Cavity (mouth)
The oral cavity.
Crown
The part of a tooth above the gum line.
Root
The part of a tooth below the gum line. Roots are covered with cementum, a bone-like material.
Periodontal membrane
Connective tissue that connects the roots of teeth into the bone.
Enamel
Covers the crown of the tooth and is the hardest material in the body.
Dental caries
Is the result of the tooth enamel breaking down and the softer dentin of the tooth decaying.
Dentin
Calcified connective tissue, composes the bulk of the tooth.
Pulp chamber
Is the soft or pulpy connective tissue part of the tooth. It contains blood vessels and nerves.
Root canal
The canal which the blood vessels and nerves (branches of the trigeminal or fifth cranial nerve) enter the tooth.
Incisors
Are shaped like chisels and serve to cut (bite into) food.
Canines
Are shaped like a dog’s teeth and serve to tear and shred food.
Premolars
Are shaped with two pints or cusps and serve to crush and grind food.
Wisdom Teeth or Molars
Are the back teeth and they have several masses or round projections on the surface. They serve to crush and grind food.
Deciduous teeth
The primary teeth. Total number is 20.
(Incisors -2x4)+(Canine-1x4)+(Molar-2x4)=20
Permanent teeth
The secondary teeth. Total number is 32.
(Incisors -2x4)+(Canine-1x4)+(Pre-Molar-2x4)=(Molars-3x4)=32
Salivary gland
This accessory organ that consist of three pairs of salivary glands which pour their secretions into the mouth.
Parotid gland
This is the largest pair of salivary glands, lie below and in front of each ear.
Submandibular gland
A submaxillary salivary gland located under the tongue toward the inner surface of the mandible.
Sublingual gland
This salivary gland lies under the tongue anterior to the sub mandibular glands.
Peridontal disease
Occurs when dental carries slow down after age 35yo and occurs below the gum line. Plaque (tartar) is the major cause.
Plaque (tartar)
A mineral sediment from saliva that is the major cause of Peridontal disease.
Gingiva (gum)
Is a dense, fibrous tissue covered by mucous membrane that envelopes the alveolar processes of the upper/lower jaws and surrounds the neck of the teeth.
Gingivitis
An inflammation of the gums.
Pyorrhea
The purulent discharge from the gums.