Digestive System I

The process of breaking down food into simpler forms so the body can absorb it.

The physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces, increasing its surface area for chemical digestion.

The breakdown of large food molecules into smaller molecules using chemicals called enzymes.

The whole tube from mouth to anus where food is digested and absorbed.

The innermost layer of the alimentary canal; secretes enzymes and absorbs nutrients into the blood.

Layer beneath the mucosa, containing blood vessels and elastic fibers.

Layer containing smooth muscles enabling food movement through the alimentary canal.

Mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine are the primary organs involved in the digestion process.

The involuntary muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

A mixture of enzymes and acid found in the stomach that breaks down food.

An enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach.

A strong acid in the stomach that activates pepsin and kills bacteria

The partially digested food mixture in the stomach after churning.

The first part of the small intestine, where chyme is received from the stomach.

The long, narrow part of the digestive system where most nutrient absorption occurs.

An enzyme that thickens milk, crucial for infants.

The large intestine, responsible for reabsorbing water from waste products. It receives waste material from the small intestine.

A sphincter muscle that controls the movement of waste material from the small intestine to the large intestine.

The colon primarily absorbs water but also some electrolytes and vitamins.

The final section of the large intestine where waste is temporarily stored before elimination.

Two muscles that control the opening and closing of the anus for waste elimination.

An enzyme secreted by the pancreas that continues to break down carbohydrates (like starch) into maltose, a simpler sugar.

An enzyme produced by the pancreas that breaks down fats (lipids) into smaller components.

An inactive enzyme secreted by the pancreas; it's activated in the duodenum to become trypsin, which breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.

Tiny finger-like projections found on the surface of villi in the small intestine; they increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.

Specialized lymphatic vessels within villi of the small intestine; they absorb fats, steroids, and fat-soluble vitamins.

Liver cells that perform various functions like bile production, detoxification, and storing essential nutrients

The process of removing nitrogen from amino acids, converting it to urea, which is then excreted by the kidneys.

The storage form of glucose in the liver and muscles

A muscular valve located at the junction of the stomach and the duodenum, controlling the flow of chyme from the stomach into the small intestine.

A greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It helps emulsify fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets for digestion.

The process of breaking down large fat globules into smaller droplets, increasing their surface area for digestion by enzymes.

A mixture of enzymes and bicarbonate produced by the pancreas that aids in digestion by breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Specialized cells in the pancreas responsible for producing and secreting pancreatic juice.

A muscular valve that controls the flow of both bile and pancreatic juice into the duodenum.

The involuntary reflex that moves food from the pharynx to the esophagus, involving the closure of the nasal cavity and trachea, and relaxation of the esophageal sphincter.

The rhythmic muscle contractions that push food down the esophagus towards the stomach. This process takes 1-8 seconds depending on food consistency.

The process by which the stomach releases partially digested food (chyme) into the duodenum.

The presence of chyme in the duodenum can regulate the rate of gastric emptying. If the duodenum is already full, it signals the stomach to slow down the release of chyme.

A 'massaging' motion that mixes chyme with digestive juices (intestinal juice, pancreatic juice, and bile) for efficient digestion and absorption.

Specialized cells that control segmentation, ensuring a rhythmic, forward movement of chyme towards the ileocecal valve.

The 'rest and digest' system that promotes efficient digestion. Relaxation can enhance the process of food breakdown.