Digestive System

• anus


  A muscular opening at the end of the rectum through which waste material is eliminated from the body
• Peristalsis


  Involuntary waves of muscle contraction that keep food moving along in one direction through the digestive system.
• Chyme


  Partially digested, semiliquid food mixed with digestive enzymes and acids in the stomach.
• gallbladder location


  RUQ under the liver
• Pancreas


  locates behind the stomach, produces enzymes, and the hormone insulin to regulate blood sugar
• rugae


  the folds in the mucosa membrane lining the stomach
• duodenum


  first part of the small intestine
• Gallbladder function

  stores and concentrates bile
• cholecystectomy


  surgical removal of the gallbladder
• jejunum


  Second part of the small intestine. Digestion takes place there, as well as some absorption of nutrients and water through the intestinal wall into the blood.
• functions of the large intestine

  absorption of water and remaining nutrients

  transportation of waste products

  synthesis of vitamins by bacteria
• liver


  produces bile
• Rectum


  storage area for indigestables
• Villi


  Fingerlike projections of the intestinal mucosa that increase the surface area for absorption
• alimentary canal


  long, muscular tube that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus
• Mastication


  the process of chewing
• Bolus


  A term used to describe food after it has been chewed and mixed with saliva
• salivary amylase


  enzyme that begins carbohydrate digestion in the mouth
• cardiac sphincter


  A circular muscle located between the esophagus and the stomach. Prevents backflow into the esophagus.
• Lipase


  enzyme in the stomach that begins the chemical breakdown of fats
• Pepsin


  Enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach
• hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice is responsible for __________________.


  killing bacteria, facilitating iron absorption, and activating the enzyme pepsin
• ileocecal valve


  prevents food from moving back into the small intestine once it has entered the large intestine
• Bile


  emulsifies (breaks down) fats and makes them water soluble
• cecum


  first part of the large intestine
• largest gland in the body

  liver
• Cirrhosis


  chronic destruction of liver cells accompanied by the formation of fibrous connective and scar tissue
• ulcer


  open sore or lesion in the skin or mucous membrane
• accessory organs of the digestive system

  liver, gallbladder, pancreas
• ileum


  the last 12 feet of the small intestine
• Where is the pancreas located?

  behind the stomach
• How long does food stay in the stomach?

  1-4 hours
• The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that empty into the ________________.

  duodenum
• why does alcoholism destroy the liver?

  The liver detoxifies alcohol, but is overworked by alcoholism
• maltase, sucrase, lactase


  break down carbohydrates (sugars)
• submandibular, sublingual, and parotid glands

  3 salivary glands
• Epiglottis


  a flap of cartilage that covers the trachea while swallowing
• Most of digestion and absorption takes place in the _____.

  small intestine
• hard palate


  bony anterior (front) portion of the palate, roof of mouth
• soft palate


  posterior portion of roof of the mouth, not supported by bone