The Human Digestive System Flashcards
Salivary glands
Glands in the mouth that produce saliva to begin the chemical digestion of food
Saliva
A watery secretion in the mouth that begins the digestive process
Esophagus
The muscular tube through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach
Peristalsis
A wave-like series of muscular contractions in the esophagus
Gastric juice
A mixture of HCL, salts, enzymes, water, and mucus that is produced by glands in the stomach to help digest food
Chyme
A thick liquid produced in the stomach and made of digestive food combined with gastric juice
Pepsin
An enzyme in gastric juice that helps break down proteins into polypeptides
Duodenum
A short, wide U-shaped section of the small intestine into which food passes from the stomach
Villi
A finger-like projections lining the surface of the small intestine that increase the surface area to improve the absorption of nutrients
Jejunum
The portion of the small intestine that follows immediately after the duodenum
Ileum
The portion of the small intestine that follows immediately after the jejunum
Bile
A greenish-yellow fluid secreted by the liver that helps digest fat
