Anatomy
This is the innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract, consisting of a mucous membrane.
Mucosa
Secreted by chief cells in the stomach, this enzyme is responsible for breaking down proteins.
Pepsin
This organ, located inferior to the diaphragm, is the largest internal organ in the body.
Liver
This condition involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract and commonly features lymphatic tissue changes in the ileum.
Crohn disease
This branch of medicine is dedicated to the study of the digestive system and its disorders.
Gastroenterology
This ring of smooth muscle sits between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent backflow.
Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
Produced by parietal cells, this factor is necessary for the absorption of Vitamin B12.
Intrinsic factor
This pear-shaped sac stores and concentrates bile, but does not actually produce it.
Gallbladder
This pathology involves gastric juices flowing backward past the lower esophageal sphincter.
GERD
This term describes the small, round mass of chewed food mixed with saliva prior to swallowing.
Bolus
This section of the small intestine is where approximately 90% of all absorption takes place.
Small intestine
Secreted by the pancreas, these chemicals neutralize acidic chyme as it enters the duodenum from the stomach.
Bicarbonates
These specific pancreatic cells are responsible for secreting digestive enzymes into the pancreatic duct.
Acini cells
Open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum are known as this.
Peptic Ulcer Disease (Ulcers)
The medical term for the act of swallowing.
Deglutition
These thick, longitudinal muscle bands on the large intestine resemble thread-gathering fabric.
Taeniae coli
This hormone stimulates the gallbladder to contract and triggers the release of pancreatic secretions.
Cholecystokinin
This duct system transports blood from the GI tract, spleen, gallbladder, and pancreas directly to the liver.
Hepatic portal system
Chronic liver damage leading to scarring and liver failure is known by this pathology term.
Cirrhosis
The rhythmic, wavelike muscular contractions that push food through the GI tract.
Peristalsis
This anatomical space located behind the peritoneum contains organs like the pancreas, kidneys, and parts of the intestines.
Retroperitoneal space
This enzyme found in saliva begins the breakdown of carbohydrates in the oral cavity.
Salivary amylase (ptyalin)
Bile emulsifies fats by dispersing large globules into smaller droplets so this pancreatic enzyme can work more efficiently.
Pancreatic lipase
Hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder are called this.
Gallstones
The branch of the nervous system known as "rest and digest," which oversees digestion during low activity.
Parasympathetic division