Organs of the Gastrointestinal Tract definitions Flashcards
Organs of the Gastrointestinal Tract definitions
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Mechanical Digestion Physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces to increase surface area, primarily through chewing and churning. Chemical Digestion Process involving enzymes and acids to break down complex food molecules into absorbable units. Peristalsis Wave-like muscular contractions that propel food through the digestive tract, even against gravity. Bolus Moist, chewed mass of food formed in the mouth and swallowed into the esophagus. Chyme Semi-liquid mixture of partially digested food and digestive juices found in the stomach and small intestine. Sphincter Ring-like muscle that controls passage between digestive organs, preventing backflow. Pepsinogen Inactive precursor molecule secreted in the stomach, activated by acid to become a protein-digesting enzyme. Gastric Juice Acidic fluid in the stomach containing hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes for protein breakdown. Duodenum First, short segment of the small intestine where chyme mixes with bile and pancreatic juice. Jejunum Middle section of the small intestine, main site for nutrient absorption and chemical digestion. Ileum Longest portion of the small intestine, responsible for final absorption of nutrients. Villi Finger-like projections lining the small intestine, greatly increasing surface area for absorption. Microvilli Microscopic membrane extensions on intestinal cells, forming a brush border to maximize absorption. Colon Main region of the large intestine, responsible for water and some mineral absorption from waste. Gut Microbiome Diverse community of microorganisms in the large intestine, aiding digestion and vitamin production.
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