Digestive System Flashcards
Group of organs and structures that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste
Digestive system
Type of digestion which happens outside of cells, usually in a digestive cavity
Extracellular digestion
Type of digestion that happens inside cells
Intracellular digestion
Physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces
Mechanical digestion
Breaking down of food molecules into smaller, simpler substances using enzymes and acids
Chemical digestion
A digestive system with separate entrance and exit cavities
Complete digestive system
A digestive system with only one opening for food intake and waste removal
Incomplete digestive system
An enzyme that helps break down starches
Amylase
A soft mass of chewed food that is shaped for swallowing
Bolus
Opening where food is taken in
Mouth or oral cavity
Exocrine glands located in and around the mouth and throat that produces saliva
Salivary glands
A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the esophagus. A passageway for food and air
Pharynx (throat)
A long tube that connects the throat to the stomach
Esophagus
Waves of muscle contractions which force food down through the digestive tract
Peristalsis
Located at the end of the esophagus, controlled by a sphincter that prevents food from flowing back
Stomach
Ring-like muscles that maintain constriction of a body passage
Spincter
A mixture of hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsin, digestive enzymes, water and mucus that aids in digestion
Gastric juices
Enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides
Pepsin
The main site for nutrient absorption
Small intestine
The C-shaped first section of the small intestine where bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas help break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates
Duodenum
The middle section of the small intestine responsible for further digestion and nutrient absorption
Jejunum
The final section of the small intestine which absorbs nutrients, vitamin B12 and bile acids before passing food into the large intestine
Ileum
A semifluid mass of partially digested food formed in the stomach and intestine during digestion
Chyme
Absorbs the remaining nutrients and water, then forms, stores and eliminates waste
Large intestine
Part of the large intestine that receives digested food from the small intestine and moves it to the colon
Cecum
Part of the large intestine that may help store good bacteria and support the immune system
Appendix
The longest part of the large intestine. Absorbs water and electrolytes. Secretes mucus to help waste move
Colon
Stores feces until elimination through the anal canal
Rectum
Opening at the end of the digestive tract where stool leaves the body
Anus
Removal of fecal matter through the anus
Defecation
Hard structures in the mouth that help break down food
Teeth
Muscular organ in the mouth covered with mucous membranes and taste buds
Tongue
Stores and concentrates bile from the liver
Gallbladder
A gland that produces digestive enzymes such as amylase, protease and lipase and releases insulin to regulate blood sugar levels
Pancreas
A organ that processes nutrients, detoxifies harmful substances and produces bile for digestion
Liver
Digestive system with a single-chambered stomach commonly found in mammals
Monogastric or simple digestive system
A lightweight digestive system that has two chambers
Avian digestive system
Herbivores mainly have this type of digestive system which has four chambers
Ruminant or Polygastric digestive system
The first compartment of a ruminant’s digestive system where most digestion happens
Rumen
Second compartment of ruminant system. Connected to the rumen and works as a filter
Reticulum
Regurgitation of recently ingested food from the stomach back into the mouth, followed by rechewing and swallowing or spitting out
Rumination
Third compartment of ruminant system which helps absorb water
Omasum
Fourth compartment of ruminant system. Produces digestive enzymes to break down food. It is the true stomach of ruminants
Abomasum
Digestive system with a three-chambered stomach (no omasum)
Pseudo-ruminant digestive system
