The Digestive System Flashcards
The processing of food that nourishes the individual cells of the body
digestion
The body cavity that contains the major organs of digestion and excretion. It is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis
abdomen
The first part of the large intestine, into which the ileum opens
cecum
A small tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen
appendix
behind the abdominal cavity
retroperitoneal
The glands that produce saliva to keep the mouth and pharynx moist
salivary glands
A tubular structure that extends vertically from the back of the mouth to the esophagus and trachea
oropharynx
A collapsible tube that extends from the pharynx to the stomach; contractions of the muscle in the wall of the esophagus propel food and liquids through it to the stomach
esophagus
The name of the substance that leaves the stomach. It is a combination of all of the eaten foods with added stomach acids
chyme
A flat, solid organ that lies below the liver and the stomach; it is a major source of digestive enzymes and produces the hormone insulin
pancreas
A large solid organ that lies in the right upper quadrant immediately below the diaphragm; is produces bile, stores glucose for immediate use by the body, and produces many substances that help regulate immune responses.
liver
The ducts that convey bile between the liver and the intestine
bile ducts
A sac on the underside of the liver that collects bile from the liver and discharges it into the duodenum through the common bile duct
gallbladder
The portion of the digestive tube between the stomach and the cecum, consisting of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum
small intestine
The portion of the digestive tube that encircles the abdomen around the small bowel, consisting of the cecum, the colon, and the rectum. It helps regulate water balance and eliminate solid waste
large intestine
