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
ileum
the third and last portion of the SI
jejunum
second portion of the SI location where many nutrients are absorbed
lacteal
lymph vessel found inside the villi of the SI
Lipase
enzyme that digests fat
mastication
process of chewing, begins the digestion of food
mesentery
sheet of connective tissue that suspends the digestive organs within the ab cavity
parotid cland
salivary gland located just underneath the skin anterior to the ear
peristalsis
wave like muscular contractions that propel food along the digestive tract
proteases
enzymes working in the ST and SI to break peptide bonds
