Chapter 3 Terminology

Stomach

A J shaped organ where food is partially digested

Crohns disease

A bowel disease that causes inflammation in the small intestine

Hormone

A chemical messenger secreted into the bloodstream and regulates physiologic processes

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks down substances by adding water

Ulcerative colitis

A chronic disease of the large intestine indicated by inflammation and ulceration of the mucosa (the innermost lining of the colon)

Pancreas

A gland located behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes

Bolus

A mass of chewed moistened food

Saliva

A mixture of water, musus, and enzymes that moisten food and beings digestion

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

A painful type of heartburn that occurs more than twice a week

Hunger

A physiologic sensation that prompts us to eat

Appetite

A psychological desire to consume specific foods

Chyme

A semifluid mass consisting of partially digested food, water, and gastric juices

Lacteal

A small lymph vessel located inside the villi of the small intestine

Brush broder

A term that describes the microvilli of the small intestine lining

Sphincter

A tight ring of muscle separating some of the organs of the GI tract and open in response to the nerve signals

Portal vein

A vessel that carries products of digestion

Constipation

Absence of bowel movements for a period of time

Active transport

Absorptive process which requires energy and a carrier protein

Gastric juice

Acidic liquid secreted within the stomach

Anorexia

An absence of appetite

Facilitated diffusion

An absorptive process which requires the help of a carrier protein

Food allergy

An allergic reaction to food

Peptic ulcer

An area of the GI tract that has been eroded away by the acidic gastric juice of the stomach

Celiac disease

An immune reaction that damages the lining of the small intestine when a person is exposed to gluten

Irritable bowel syndrome

Bowel disorder that interferes with normal colon function

Parietal cells

Cells lining the gastric glands that secrete hydrochloric acids and intrinsic factor

Chief cells

Cells lining the gastric glands that secrete pepsinogen and gastric lipase

Cephalic phase

Earliest phase of digestions when the brain prepares the digestive organs for consumption of food

Bile

Fluid produced by the liver; stored in the gallbladder; emulsifies lipids in the small intestines

Diarrhea

Frequent passage of loose, watery stools

Food intolerance

Gastrointestinal discomfort caused by certain foods

Salivary glands

Glands found under and behind the tongue and beneath the jaw which releases saliva

Haustration

Involuntary sluggish contractions that move wastes toward the colon

Mass movement

Involuntary sustained forceful contraction of the colon that pushes wastes toward the rectum

Heartburn

Painful sensation which occurs over the sternum when hydrochloric acid backs up into the lower esophagus

Gallbladder

Pear shaped organ beneath the liver which stores bile and secretes it into the small intestines

Digestion

Process by which foods are broken down - either chemically or mechanically

Absportion

Process by which molecules of food are taken from the GI tract into circulation

Elimination

Process by which undigested portions of food and waste products are removed from the body

Denature

Process in which proteins lose their shape

Segmentation

Rhythmic contraction of the circular muscles of the intestine

Enzymes

Small chemicals that act on other chemicals to speed up body process but are not changed

Enterocytes

Specialized absorptive cells in the villi of the small intestine

Endocytosis

The engulfing of a small content into the cell

Satiate

The experience of feeling full

Large intestine

The final organ of the GI tract in which most water is absorbed and feces are formed

Liver

The largest auxillary organ of the GI tract

Gastrointestinal tract

The long muscular tube which consists of several digestive organs

Small intestine

The longest portion of the GI tract where most digestion and absorption take place

Esophagus

The muscular tube of the GI tract connecting the back of the mouth to the stomach

Enteric nervous system

The nerves of the GI tract

Hypothalamus

The region of the brain where visceral sensations such as hunger and thirst are regulated

Passive diffusion

The simple absorptive process which does not require energy

Peristalsis

Waves of squeezing and pushing contractions that mover food through the GI tract