Digestive System

Question 0

Gastrointestinal tract (G.I. Tract)

Answer 0

The most basic structural level of the digestive system, a tube extending from the mouth to anus

Question 1

Digestive systems functions

Answer 1

Ingestion of food, movement of food along the digestive tract, mechanical preparation, chemical digestion, absorption into the circulatory and lymphatic systems, elimination of indigestible substances and waste products from the body by defecation

Question 2

Stomach

Answer 2

Chemical digestion as special stomach cells break down food particles and mechanical digestion as the stomach grinds the body into a thickness mixture chyme

Question 3

Small intestines

Answer 3

The primary site of absorption and digestion

Question 4

Small intestines segments

Answer 4

Duodenum (first 8 inches), jejunum (middle 8 feet), and the ileum ( final 12 feet)

Question 5

Segmentation

Answer 5

Contractile process in the small intestines similar to peristalsis, perpendicular squeezing of chyme to force it backwards several inches for optimum contact with digestion juices and absorption cells

Question 6

Large intestine (colon)

Answer 6

Final pathway of the digestive (5 feet) system where the final absorption of water and salt occurs leaving a semisolid book of fiber and indigestible substances to be expelled

Question 7

Epiglottis

Answer 7

Prevents choking while swallowing by closing off the trachea to bypass the lungs

Question 8

Cardiac sphincter (esophageal sphincter)

Answer 8

Rests at the upper portion of the stomach, prevents food and stomach acid from splashing back into the esophagus

Question 9

Bolus

Answer 9

A swallowed food and saliva digestive mix that is moved through the G.I. tract

Question 10

Peristalsis

Answer 10

The process by which muscles in the esophagus and intestine push food through the G.I. tract in a wave-like motion

Question 11

Chyme

Answer 11

A semi-liquid mass of partially digested food expelled by the stomach into the duodenum

Question 12

Pyloric sphincter

Answer 12

Separates the stomach from the small intestines

Question 13

Duodenum

Answer 13

The first portion of the small intestines

Question 14

Jejunum

Answer 14

The second portion of the small intestines

Question 15

Ileum

Answer 15

The third portion of the small intestines

Question 16

Bile

Answer 16

An emulsifier secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, it is released in the duodenum to aid in the digestion of fats and oils

Question 17

Villi

Answer 17

Finger-like projections from the folds of the small intestine

Question 18

Microvilli

Answer 18

Tiny hair-like projections on villi that trap nutrient particles and transport them into the cells for absorption

Question 19

Edema

Answer 19

Swelling of intercellular spaces

Question 20

Interstitial fluid

Answer 20

Excess fluid between cells

Question 21

Lymph fluid

Answer 21

Similar to blood but contains no red blood cells or platelets, as these components can’t escape through blood vessel walls

Question 22

Lymphatic capillaries

Answer 22

Specialized cells through which lymph returns to the bloodstream

Question 23

Kidneys

Answer 23

The primary excretory organ of the urinary system, critical to maintaining an optimal internal environment for cells to function

Question 24

Mechanical digestion

Answer 24

The process of chewing, swallowing, and propelling food through the G.I. tract

Question 25

Chemical digestion

Answer 25

A form of digestion that involves the addition of enzymes to break down nutrients