Digestive System Flashcards
What is mechanical digestion?
The physical break down of chunks of food in the mouth
What is chemical digestion
The chemical break down of food into nutrient molecules. Occurs mainly in the small intestine
What is Absorption
The procession with substances pass into the bloodstream
What is the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract
A long tube that connect the mouth to the anus. This includes the esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine.
What is the Esophagus
Long tube that pushes food from the pharynx to to the stomach by peristalsis
What is the stomach
Sac like organ in which food is further digested
What is the small intestine?
Most absorption of nutrients takes place here. The small intestine consists of three parts: the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. It also contains Cili, which play a key role in absorbing nutrients.
What is the large intestine?
Tube that connects the small intestine with the anus. The large intestine consists of three parts: cecum, colon and rectum.
What is the liver?
The liver processes and regulates the substances entering the blood stream from the food that is infested. The liver also produces bile.
What is the gallbladder?
Small sac under the right love of the liver. Stores bike and secretes that into the small intestine.
What is the pancreas?
Helps with digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
What is mastication?
The mechanical process of chewing.
What is amalayse?
An enzyme released by the salivary glands to help break complex carbohydrates into smaller chains.
What is Villi?
Increase the surface area of the intestinal wall. Increased surface area allows for more area where nutrients can be absorbed.
What is peristalsis?
An involuntary muscle that moves and contracts digestive organs in wave like motions.
