Unit 3 Flashcards
Gastrointestinal Tract (GI Tract)
the digestive tract (stomach and intestines)
Digestion
The breakdown of food into absorbable forms through mechanical and chemical mechanisms
Chyme
a semi-liquid mixture of partially digested food/digestive secretions in the stomach/small intestine
pH
the unit of measure expressing a substances acidity/alkalinity
Saliva
the secretion of the salivary glands that starts digestion
Gastric Glands
exocrine glands in the stomach that secretes gastric juices
Gastric Juice
the secretion of the gastric glands, containing hydrochloric acid/digestive enzymes
Mucus
produced by stomach wall cells to coat the wall, lubricate food and protect from autodigestion by gastric juices
Pancreatic Juice
exocrine secretion of the pancreas, containing enzymes for digestion of carbs, fats, protein and bicarbonate
Emulsifier
a substance with both water/fat soluble portions that promotes the mixing of oils/fats in watery solution
Intestinal Flora
the bacteria/organisms that live inside the intestine and aid in digestion
Digestive Enzymes
proteins that catalyze the breakdown of food
Lymphatic System
loosely organized system of vessels/ducts that direct fluids toward the heart
GI part carries products of fat digestion into the bloodstream
Lymph
fluid similar to blood plasma
GI lymph transports fat/fat soluble vitamins to the bloodstream through lymphatic vessels
Vein
carry blood to the heart
