Gastrointestinal key terms

Question 1

Absorption

Answer 1

Process of transferring nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

Question 2

Alimentary canal

Answer 2

Route of digestion that includes all structures from the mouth to the anus,excluding the accessory organs of digestion;also known as the digestive or gastrointestinal tract.

Question 3

Bolus

Answer 3

Mass of masticated (chewed food)

Question 4

Cardiac sphincter

Answer 4

Circular muscle at the top of the stomach that allows food from the esophagus to enter the stomach.

Question 5

Chyme

Answer 5

Mixture of partially digested food and saliva

Question 6

Defecation

Answer 6

Passage of feces from the bowels

Question 7

Deglutition

Answer 7

Swallowing

Question 8

Digestion

Answer 8

Chemical and physical breakdown of food in the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 9

Enema

Answer 9

Introduction of a solution into the rectum to stimulate bowel activity

Question 10

Epiglottis

Answer 10

Uppermost cartilage of the larynx

Question 11

Excretion

Answer 11

Process of eliminating waste products of digestion

Question 12

Gastroenterologist

Answer 12

Physician who diagnosis and treats disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

Question 13

Gasrtroenterology

Answer 13

Study of the gastrointestinal tract

Question 14

Glucagon

Answer 14

Hormone that cleaves bonds in glycogen to release glucose

Question 15

Insulin

Answer 15

Hormone that binds to glucose allowing its transport from the blood stream to the tissue

Question 16

Mastication

Answer 16

Process of chewing food

Question 17

Peristalsis

Answer 17

Wavelike muscular contractions that move food down the esophagus

Question 18

Rugae

Answer 18

Folds on the internal surface of the stomach

Question 19

Saliva

Answer 19

Oral secretions that moisten food for tasting,chewing,and swallowing

Question 20

Uvula

Answer 20

Soft tissue hanging from the upper mouth that prevents food from entering the nasal cavity

Question 21

Villi

Answer 21

Projections of the small intestines that absorb water and nutrients