Digestive Vocab Flashcards
Amylase
enzyme contained in saliva that breaks down starch
appendix
tubular organ attached to the lower end of the cecum; serves as a source for immune cells
Bile
yellow green fluid secreted by the liver that aids in digestion
Cecum
blind pouch that serves as the beginning of the LI
Chief cells
cells in the gastric mucosa that secrete digestive enzymes
Cyme
semi-fluid mixture consisting of particles of food mixed with digestive juices
Duodenum
first 10 inches of small intestine; the portion of intestine that performs most digestive process
Enteric Nervous System
Network of nerves innervating the digestive system
Enteroendocrine cells
cells in the gastric mucosa that secrete the hormone ghrelin
Esophagus
muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach
Gallbladder
sac attached to the liver that stores and concentrates bile
Gastric Pits
Depressions within the gastric mucosa containing glands that secrete components of gastric juice
Gingiva
tissue surrounding the necks of teeth; gums
Hard palate
bony structure that separates the mouth from the nasal cavity
Haustra
pouches along the length of the LI