Digestive System Flashcards
The digestive system is a group of organs known as
gastrointestinal tract, that work together to convert food into energy and nutrients to feed the entire body. The digestive tract also eliminates what the body doesn’t absorb during the digestive process
Upper GI Tract
consists of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and stomach
Lower GI Tract
consists of the small intestine and large intestine
accessory organs
consist of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas
or/o, stomat/o
mouth
begins preparation of food for digestion
pharyng/o
pharynx
transports food from the mouth to the esophaguses
esophag/o
esophagus
transport food from the pharynx to the stomach
gastr/o
stomach
breaks down food and mixes it with gastric juices
enter/o
small intestine
mixes chyme coming from the stomach with digestive juices to complete the digestion and absorption of most nutrients
col/o, colon/o
large intestine
absorbs excess water and prepares solid waste for elimination
an/o, proct/o, rect/o
rectum and anus
control the excretion of solid waste
hepat/o
liver
secretes bile and enzymes to aid in the digestion of fats
cholecyst/o
gallbladder
stores bile and releases it into the small intestine as needed
pancreat/o
pancreas
secretes digestive juices and enzymes into the small intestine as needed
an/o
anus, ring
chol/e
bile, gall
cholecyst/o
gallbladder
col/o, colon/o
colon, large intestine
-emesis
vomiting
enter/o
small intestine
esophag/o
esophagus
gastr/o
stomach, belly
hepat/o
liver
-lithiasis
presence of stones
-pepsia
digest, digestion
-phagia
eating, swallowing
proct/o
anus and rectom
rect/o
rectum, straight
sigmoid/o
sigmoid colon
aerophagia
the excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking, and is a common cause of gas in the stomach
anastomosis
surgical connection between two hollow or tubular structures; plural, anatomoses
antiemetic
medication administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting
aphthous ulcers
Gray-white pits with a red border that appear in the soft tissues lining the mouth; also known as canker sores or mouth ulcers.
ascites
an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity
bariatrics
the branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of obesity and associated diseases
borborygmus
the rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine
cachexia
a condition of physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases such as advanced cancer or AIDS
celiac disease
an inherited autoimmune disorder characterized be a severe reaction to food containing gluten; also known as gluten intolerance
cheilosis
a disorder of the lips characterized by cracklike sores at the corners of the mouth
choledocholithotomy
an incision into the common bile duct for the removal of gallstones
cholelithiasis
the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts
cirrhosis
a progressive degenerative disease of the liver characterized by scarring
colonoscopy
the direct visual examination of the inner surface of the entire colon, from the rectum to the cecum
colostomy
the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface
Crohn’s disease
a chronic autoimmune disorder that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract; however, it is most often found in the ileum and in the colon
dental prophylaxis
the professional cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus
diverticulitis
inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in the colon
diverticulosis
the chronic presence of an abnormal number of diverticula in the colon
dyspepsia
pain or discomfort in digestion; also known as indigestion
dysphagia
difficulty in swallowing
enema
the place of a solution into the rectum and colon to empty the lower intestine through bowel activity
enteritis
inflammation of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with viral or bacterial pathogens
eructation
the act of belching or raising gas orally from the stomach
esophageal varices
enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus
esophagogastroduodenoscopy
an endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper GI tract; this includes the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum
gastroduodenostomy
the establishment of an anastomosis between the upper portion of the stomach and the duodenum
gastroesophageal reflux disease
the upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus; also known as GERD
gastrostomy tube
the surgical placement of a feeding tube from the exterior of the body directly into the stomach
hematemesis
the vomiting of blood
hemoccult test
a laboratory test for hidden blood in the stools; also known as fecal occult blood test
hepatitis
inflammation of the liver usually caused by a viral infection
herpes labialis
blisterlike sores on the lips adjacent tissue caused by the oral herpes simples virus type 1 (HSV-1); also known as cold sores or fever blisters
hiatal hernia
an anatomical abnormality in which a portion of the stomach protrude upward into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm
hyperemesis
extreme, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration
ileus
the partial or complete blockage of the small intestine, large intestine, or both caused by the stopping of normal peristalsis
inguinal hernia
the protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin
jaundice
a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes caused by greater-than-normal amounts of bilirubin in the blood
leukoplakia
an abnormal white precancerous lesion (sore) that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek
melena
the passage of black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools that is caused by the presence of digested blood
morbid obesity
the condition of weighing two or more times the ideal weight or having a body mass index value greater than 40; also known as severe obesity
nasogastric intubation
the placement of a feeding tube through the nose and into the stomach
obesity
an excessive accumulation of fat in the body
palatoplasty
the surgical repair of a cleft palate or cleft lip
peptic ulcers
sores that affect the mucous membranes of the digestive system caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylorior by medications, such as aspirin, that irritate the mucous membranes
peristalsis
a series of wavelike contractions of the smooth muscle in a single direction that moves the food forward into the digestive system
polyp
a mushroomlike growth from the surface of a mucous membrane; not all polyps are malignant
proctologist
a physician who specializes in disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus
regurgitation
a return of swallowed food into the mouth
samonellosis
an infectious disease of the intestines that is transmitted by food contaminated with feces; also referred to as salmonella
sigmoidoscopy
the endoscopic examination of the interior of the rectum, sigmoid colon, and possibly a portion of the descending colon
stomatitis
an inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth
trismus
any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer
ulcerative colitis
a chronic condition of unknown cause in which repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine cause ulcers and irritation
volvulus
twisting of the intestine upon itself, causing an obstruction
xerostomia
the lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the salivary glands; also known as dry mouth
major structures of the oral cavity
also known as the mouth, are the lips, hard and soft palates, salivary glands, tongue, teeth and periodontium
lips
which are also known as the labia, surrounding the opening to the oral cavity (singular, labium(. The term labia is also used to describe the female genitalia
during eating, the lips, tongue, and cheeks hold the food in the mouth
the lips also have important roles in breathing, speaking and the expression of emotions
the palate
which forms the roof of the mouth, consists of three major parts
hard palate
soft palate
uvula
hard palate
is the anterior portion of the palate. This area is covered with specialized mucous membrane. Rugae are irregular ridges or folds in the mucous membrane
soft palate
is the flexible posterior portion of the palate. During swallowing, it has important role of closing off the nasal passage to prevent food and liquid from moving upward into the nasal cavity
uvula
is the third part, and it hands from the free edge of the soft palate. During swallowing, it moves upward with the soft palate. It also plays an important role in snoring and in the formation of some speech sounds
tongue
very strong, flexible and muscular. The posterior portion of the tongue is attached. The anterior end of the tongue moves freely and is flexible. It is the structure of the tongue that makes it so important for chewing, speaking and swallowing
dorsum
upper surface of the tongue. This surface has a tough protective covering and in some areas, small bumps known as papillae. These papillae contain taste buds, which are the sensory receptors for the sense of taste
sublingual surface
of the tongue and the tissues that lie under the tongue are covered with delicate highly vascular tissues.
The presence of this rich blood supply under the tongue makes it suitable for administering certain medications sublingually by placing them under the tongue, where they are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
sublingual
means under the tongue
highly vascular
containing many blood vessels
lingual frenum
is a band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This frenum limits the motion of the tongue
periodontium
describes the structures that surround, support and are attached to the teeth. This consists of the bone of the dental arches and the soft tissues that surround and support the teeth
peri-
surrounding
odonti
means teeth
-um
noun ending
gengiva
also known as masticatory mucosa, or the gums, is the specialized mucous membrane that covers the bone of the dental arches and surrounds the neck of the teeth
sulcus
is an area of space between a tooth and the surrounding gingiva. a buildup of food debris and bacteria in the sulcus can lead to infection. Sulci is also the term for fissures in the cerebral cortex of the brain
Dental arches
bony structures of the oral cavity. These arches hold the teeth firmly in position to facilitate chewing and speaking
maxillary arch
is commonly known as the upper jaw and consists of bones of the lower surface of the skull. This arch does not move
mandibular arch
commonly known as the lower jaw, is a separate bone and is the only moveable component of the joint
temporomandibular joint
commonly known as the TMJ, is formed at the back of the mouth where the maxillary and mandibular arches come together
dentition
refers to the natural teeth arranged in the upper and lower jaws. Human dentition consists of four types of teeth
-incisors and canines
-premolars and molars
incisors and canines
also known as cuspids. These teeth are used for biting and tearing
premolars
which are also known as bicuspids and molars. These teeth are used for chewing and grinding
deciduous dentition or babys teeth
-these 20 teeth erupt during early childhood, are normally lost in late childhood, and are placed by the permanent teeth. The primary dentition consists of eight incisors, four canines, and eight molars but no premolars
-permanent dentition consists of 32 teeth designed to last a lifetime. Of these, 20 replace primary teeth and 12 erupt at the back of the mouth. The permanent dentition includes 9 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars
-occlusion are used in dentistry, describes any contact between the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth
crown
is the portion of the tooth that is visible in the mouth. It is covered with enamel, which is the hardest substance in the body
roots
of the tooth hold it securely in place within the arch. The roots are protected by cementum. This substance is hard, but it is not as strong as enamel
cervix
also known as the neck of the tooth, is where the crown and root meet
dentin
makes up the bulk of the tooth. The portion that is above the gum line is discovered with enamel. The root area is covered with cementum
pulp cavity
is the area within the crown and roots of the tooth that is surrounded by the dentin to protect the delicate pulp of the tooth. In the roots, the pulp continues in the space known as the root canals
pulp
consists of a rich supply of blood vessels and nerves that provide nutrients and innervation to the tooth
saliva
is a colorless liquid that maintains the moisture in the mouth. It helps maintain the health of the teeth, and it begins the digestive process by lubricating food during chewing and swallowing (mechanical digestion). Saliva also contains digestive enzyme amylase and is the first step in chemical digestion
there are 3 pairs of salivary glands
they secrete saliva that is carried by ducts into the mouth
-parotid glands are located on the face, slightly in front of each ear. This duct for these glands are on the inside of the cheek near the upper molars
-sublingual glands are their ducts are located on the floor of the mouth under the tongue
-submandibular glands and their ducts are located on the floor of the mouth near the mandible
pharynx
which is the common passageway for both respiration and digestion
-the pharynx plays an important role in deglutition, which is commonly known as swallowing
-epiglottis is a lid-like structure that closes off the entrance to the trachea (windpipe) to prevent food and liquids from moving from the pharynx during swallowing
esophagus
is a muscular tube through which ingested food passes from the pharynx to the stomach
lower esophageal sphincter
also known as the cardiac sphincter, is a muscular ring between the esophagus and stomach. During swallowing, it relaxes to allow food to enter the stomach
-The sphincter normally opens to allow the flow of food into the stomach and closes to prevent the stomach contents from regurgitating into the esophagus.
Regurgitating
means flowing backward
stomach
is a sac-like organ composed of fundus (upper, rounded part), body (main portion), and antrum (lower part)
rugae
are the folds in the mucosa lining of the stomach. These folds allow the stomach to increase and decrease in size. Glands located within these folds produce gastric juices
gastric juices
made up of enzymes and hydrochloric acid aid in the beginning of food digestion. Mucus produced by glands in the stomach create a protective coating on the lining of the stomach
pyloric sphincter
is the ring-like muscle at the base of the stomach that controls the flow of partially digested food from the stomach to the duodenum of the small intestine
pylorus
is the narrow passage that connects the stomach with the small intestine
small intestine
extends from the pyloric sphincter of the first part of the large intestine. This coiled organ is up to 20 feet in length and consists of three sections where food is digested and the nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream
duodenum
is the first portion of the small intestine. The duodenum extends from the pylorus of the stomach to the jejunum
jejunum
which is the middle portion of the small intestine, extends from the duodenum to the ileum
ileum
which is the last and longest portion of the small intestine, extends from the jejunum to the cecum of the large intestine
large intestine
extends from the end of the small intestine to the anus. It is about twice as wide as the small intestine; however, it is only one-fourth as long. It is here that the waste products of digestion are processed in preparation for excretion through the anus. The major parts of the large intestine are the cecum, colon, rectum, and anus
cecum
is a pouch that lies on the right side of the abdomen. It extends from the end of the ileum to the beginning of the colon.
ileocecal sphincter
is the ring-like muscle that controls the flow from the ileum of the small intestine into the cecum of the large intestine
vermiform appendix
commonly called the appendix, hangs from the lower portion of the cecum. The vermiform refers to a worm-like shape. The appendix consists of lymphoid tissue
colon
is the longest portion of the large intestine, is subdivided into four parts
-ascending colon
-transverse colon
-descending colon
-sigmoid colon
ascending colon
travels upward from the cecum to the undersurface of the liver
transverse colon
passes horizontally across the abdominal cavity from right to left toward the spleen
transverse
means across
descending colon
travels down the left side of the abdominal cavity to the sigmoid colon
descending colon
means downward
sigmoid colon
is a S-shaped structure that continues from the descending colon above and joins the rectum below.
Sigmoid
means curved like the letter S
rectum
is the widest division of the large intestine. It makes up the last 4 inches of the large intestine and ends at the anus
anus
is the lower opening of the digestive tract. The flow of waste through the anus is controlled by the internal anal sphincter and the external anal sphincter
anorectal
refers to the anus and rectum as a single unit
an/o
anus
rect
retum
-al
pertaining to
accessory organs
of the digestive system are so named because they play a key role in the digestive process but are not part of the gastrointestinal tract. The accessory digestive organs are the liver, gallbladder and pancreas
liver
is the larges organ in the body. It has several important functions related to removing toxins from the blood and turning food into the fuel and nutrients the body needs.
hepatic
pertaining to the liver
Liver
removes excess glucose, which is commonly known as blood sugar, from the bloodstream and stores it as glycogen.
glycogen
is a form of glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles. When the blood sugar level is low, the liver converts glycogen back into glucose and releases it for use by the body
bilirubin
is a pigment excreted into the digestive fluid called bile, giving it a yellow to green color. Excessive amounts of bilirubin in the body can lead to jaundice and other diseases.
bile
which aids in the digestion of fats, is a digestive juice secreted by the liver that is necessary for the digestion of fat. Bile travels from the liver to the gallbladder, where it is concentrated and stored.
chol/e
refers to bile
biliary
provides the channels through which bile is transported from the liver to the small intestine. means pertaining to bile
common hepatic duct
small ducts in the liver join together like branches to form the biliary tree. The trunk, which is just outside the liver is known as the common hepatic duct
cystic duct
bile travels from the liver through the common hepatic duct to the gallbladder where it enters and exists through the narrow cystic duct
common bile duct
cystic duct leaving the gallbladder rejoins the common hepatic duct to form the common bile duct
pancreatic duct
the common bile duct joints the pancreatic duct, and together they enter the duodenum of the small intestine
gallbladder
is a pear-shaped organ about the size of an egg located under the liver. It stores and concentrates bile for later use
-when bile is needed, the gallbladder contracts, forcing the bile out through the biliary tree
-the term cholecystic means pertaining to the gallbladder
pancreas
is a soft, 6-inch-long, oblong gland that is located behind the stomach. This gland has important roles in both the digestive and endocrine systems. The digestive functions are discussed here.
-the pancreas produces and secretes pancreatic juices that aid in digestion and contain digestive enzymes and sodium bicarbonate to help neutralize stomach acids (water, salt, sodium bicarbonate, and digestive enzymes)
- the pancreatic juices leave the pancreas through the pancreatic duct that joins the common bile duct just before the entrance into the duodenum
pancreatic
means pertaining to the pancreas
digestion
is the process by which complex foods are broken down into nutrients in a form the body can use.
digestive enzymes
are responsible for the chemical changes that break foods down into simpler forms of nutrients for use by the body
nutrient
is a substance, usually from food, that is necessary for normal functioning of the body. The primary, or macronutrients, are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Vitamins and minerals are essential micronutrients, which means they are required only in small amounts
metabolism
includes all of the processes involved in the body’s use of nutrients. It consists of two parts; anabolism and catabolism
anabolism
is the building up of body cells and substances from nutrients. Anabolism is the opposite of catabolism
catabolism
is the breaking down of body cells or substances, releasing energy and carbon dioxide. Catabolism is the opposite of anabolism
absorption
is the process by which completely digested nutrients are transported to the cells throughout the body.
-mucosa that lines the small intestine is covered with finger-like projections called vili. each villus contains blood vessels and lacteals. The blood vessels absorb nutrients directly from the digestive system into the bloodstream for delivery to the cells of the body.
-lacteals which are specialized structures of the lymphatic system, absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins that cannot be transport directly by the bloodstream. Instead they absorb these nutrients and transport them via lymphatic vessels. As these nutrients are being transported, they are filtered by the lymph nodes in preparation for their delivery to the bloodstream
mastication
also known as chewing, breaks food down into smaller pieces, mixes in with saliva, and prepares it to be swallowed
bolus
is a mass of food that has been chewed and is ready to be swallowed. The term bolus is also used in relation to the administration of medication
-during swallowing, food travels from the mouth into the pharynx and on into the esophagus
peristalsis
is a series of wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles in the single direction that moves the food forward into the digestive system. In the esophagus, food moves downward through the action of gravity and peristalsis
Role of the Stomach
-gastric juices of the stomach contain hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes to continue to breakdown of food. Few nutrients enter the bloodstream through the walls of the stomach.
-the churning action of the stomach works with the gastric juices by converting the food into chyme.
chyme
is the semifluid mass of partly digested food that passes out of the stomach, through the pyloric sphincter, and into the small intestine
Roll of the small intestine
the conversion of food into the unstable nutrients is completed as the chyme is moved through the small intestine by peristaltic action.
-in the duodenum, chyme is mixed with pancreatic juice and bile. The bile breaks apart large fat globules so that enzymes in the pancreatic juices can digest the fats. This action is called emulsification and must be completed before the nutrients can be absorbed into the body
-jejunum secretes large amounts of digestive enzymes and contains the process of digestion
-the primary function of the ileum is to absorb nutrients from the digested food
role of the large intestine
the role of the entire large intestine is to receive the waste products of digestion and store them until they are eliminated from the body
-Food waste enters the large intestine where excess water is reabsorbed into the body through the walls of the large intestine, helping maintain the body’s fluid balance. The remaining waste form into feces
-the large intestine contains gut microflora, which help break down organic waste material. This process produces gas
feces
also known as solid body wastes, are expelled through the rectum and anus
defecation
also known as a bowel movement (BM), is the evacuation or emptying of the large intestine