Digestive System Terms
Absorption
When nutrients are absorbed through the wall of the GI tract into the bloodstream or lymph
Chyle
Cloudy white or pale yellow liquid product of digestion that consists mainly of emulsified fats
Bile
Yellow-brown or greenish fluid that emulsifies or breaks apart large fat globules into smaller ones so that fat enzymes can more easily digest and process lips in the small intestines
Fat Soluble Vitamins
Vitamins A,D,E, and K
DAILY DOUBLE
DAILY DOUBLE
Cardialgia, gastric juices backup in the lower end of the esophagus and cause irritation. Painful, burning sensation in the chest under the sternum
Elimination
Unabsorbed substances along with bacteria, dead cells, indigestible materials are eliminated. Compacted, solid waste or feces
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the small worm-like organ that extends from the colon, attached to the cecum. Inflammation occurs due to blockage or infection
Ducts
Bile Duct merges to form the R and L Hepatic ducts which drain into the Common Hepatic Duct
Water Soluble Vitamins
Vitamins B and C
Hiatal Hernia
Ulcer present, the superior portion of the stomach gets irritated or trapped at the esophageal opening in the diaphragm
Peritoneum
Inner most layer of the serous membrane. AKA visceral Peritoneum
Parietal Peritoneum - Outer layer that lines the walls of the abdominal cavity
Atherosclerosis
Chronic inflammatory disease thought to be caused by fatty plaque buildup in the arterial walls
Pancreas Juice
Alkaline fluid which protects the lining of the small intestines by neutralizing the acidic chyme
Types of Sugars
Fructose - Fruit sugar
Lactose - Milk sugar
Sucrose - Table sugar, from beet or cane sugar
Peptic Ulcers
Sores or lesions in the mucosa of the GI tract. Long term inflammation and tissue loss. Caused by H. Pylori, NSAIDs, or stress
DAILY DOUBLE
DAILY DOUBLE
Greater - Fatty apron that extends from the stomach to the pelvic portion of the cavity and back up to the transverse colon
Lessor - Connects the stomach to the underside of the liver, supports the hepatic vessels
Energy Crash
Experienced following large carb heavy meals due to large increase in glucose usage by the cells followed by a significant drop in the blood glucose level leading to fatigue.
Hepatocytes
Specialized epithelial cells surrounding a central vein that secrete bile into the small intercellular channels
Glycemic Index
Rate at which food elevates blood glucose, causing the pancreas to release large surges of insulin
IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome - functional condition of the colon. Abdominal bloating, distension, pain and constipation/diarrhea. Aggravated by stress or diet
Mesentery
Double fold of the peritoneum attached to the posterior side of the abdominal cavity. Supports the small intestines
Neurotransmitter Production
The ENS together with gut bacteria produces about 95% of the serotonin in the body and produces as much dopamine as the brain
Urea
A toxin that is converted from ammonia that is then excreted in urine
Triglycerides
Broken down dietary fats. Unused lipids stored in the adipose tissues and the liver
GERD
Frequent bouts of esophageal irritation leading to damage and structural changes in the esophagus