Digestive System Flashcards
1
Q
Esophagus
A
- Tube squeezes food toward the stomach
- Peristalsis - squeezing action that helps food move through digestive system.
2
Q
Stomach
A
- Hollow, muscular pouch holding food.
- Muscles churn (mix) food.
- Stomach enzymes break food chemically
3
Q
Small Intestine
A
- Tube absorbing carbohydrates, fats and proteins from foods we eat
- Peristalsis helps move substances through intestines
4
Q
Colon
A
- Absorbs rest of water, vitamins and minerals from foods we eat
- Contains bacteria to break down food
5
Q
Salivary Glands
A
- Secrete (make) saliva
- Moistens food to make easier to swallow.
- Contains enzymes to break down food
6
Q
Liver
A
- Storing energy from food
- Makes bile, chemical that breaks down fats
7
Q
Gallbladder and Pancreas
A
Gall: Stores bile
Pan: Hormones that control sugar levels in blood
8
Q
Appendicitis
A
Happens when appendix becomes inflamed (swollen) → very painful
9
Q
Ulcers Causes (when acid burns through)
A
- Weakened mucosal lining
- Anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. aspirin)
- Smoking
- 80% of ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori, spiral-shaped bacterium living in acidic environment of the stomach
10
Q
Colon Cancer
A
- 4th most common type of cancer (3rd most common death-causing cancer)
- Starts with benign tumours (polyps), becoming malignant
11
Q
Causes of Colon Cancer
A
- Genetics and/or viral infections (i.e. HPV)
- Lifestyle causes (diet low in vegetables and fruit, and smoking*)
