Flashcards - Digestive System Flashcards | Study.com (2024)

The process by which food is broken down by chemicals like enzymes

First occurs in the mouth with the enzyme salivary amylase

The process by which food is broken down by physical means

First occurs in the mouth through mastication, in which food particles are chewed and grinded

A: nasopharynx

B: oropharynx

C: laryngopharynx

The passage that air travels through to get into the lungs

Contains the vocal chords

Rises during swallowing and is covered by the epiglottis, preventing liquids and solids from entering the lungs

A digestive enzyme in the stomach produced by chief cells

Important for the breakdown of proteins

Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid, making a highly acidic environment

Stomach's epithelial cells secrete alkaline mucus to coat and protect the stomach lining, preventing peptic ulcers

A hormone produced by the wall of the small intestine upon contact with acidic chyme

Causes bile production by the liver and bicarbonate release by the pancreas

A hormone produced by the wall of the small intestine upon contact with acidic chyme

Causes bile release by the gallbladder

Intestinal wall stretches

Environment becomes acidic from acid present in chyme

Leads to triggering of enterogastric reflux, which causes the stomach to slow down its digestion and emptying

Caused by the alternating of contraction and relaxation of the longitudinal muscles in the walls of the small intestine

Allows for chyme to mix

The portion of the large intestine found between the cecum and rectum

Four parts: ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid

Important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, water, and salts

Specialized epithelial cells found in the mucosa of the large intestine

Secrete mucus that coats the feces (large intestine waste) to make it easier to pass

Organic compounds such as sugars and starches that are the body's major source of energy

Building block: monosaccharides, which join together to form disaccharides and polysaccharides

An enzyme produced in the mouth that begins the process of carbohydrate digestion

Part of the process of chemical digestion of food

Organic compounds that are important for the building and functioning of cells

Building block: amino acids, joined together by peptide bonds

A type of lipid, which are fat-like molecules that do not dissolve in water

The form of fat most commonly stored by the body