Digestive System Definitions

Question 1

Sphincter

Answer 1

A ring shaped muscle that relaxes or tightens to open and close a passage in the body.

Question 2

Chyme

Answer 2

When food becomes an acidic paste in the stomach and is now ready to enter the small intestine. Partly digested food.

Question 3

Nutrient

Answer 3

Any substance that has a useful function when taken by body cells.

Question 4

Alimentary canal

Answer 4

Tube from mouth to anus that food follows. Includes mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, anus, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, gallbladder.

Question 5

Vitamins

Answer 5

Small organic molecules that we cannot synthesize from other substances in our diet.

Question 6

Water

Answer 6

The most abundant substance in the human body. The body requires 2.5L per day.

Question 7

Bolus

Answer 7

Food chewed and mixed with saliva, decreasing food in size and making it ready to swallow.

Question 8

Colon

Answer 8

The longest part of the large intestine. Receives almost fully digested food, absorbs water and nutrients, and passes the waste to the rectum.

Question 9

Gallbladder

Answer 9

Stores bile and creates enzymes to break down fat for energy.

Question 10

Liver

Answer 10

Creates bile and purifies blood coming from the small intestine that has newly absorbed nutrients in it.

Question 11

Hard palate

Answer 11

Separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity. Allows us to swallow and speak.

Question 12

Pharynx

Answer 12

Delivers food and liquids to the esophagus.

Question 13

Epiglottis

Answer 13

A flap that prevents us from choking. Closes and makes us stop breathing for a second while swallowing.

Question 14

Peristalsis

Answer 14

Forward movement of a ring of contraction along an organ like the esophagus, stomach or intestines.