Digestive Basics
What is digestion?
This is the process of breaking food down into smaller molecules the body can absorb
What is the stomach?
This organ churns food and mixes it with acid.
What is amylase?
This enzyme in saliva begins the breakdown of starch.
What is the large intestine?
This organ absorbs water and forms feces.
What is chemical digestion?
This type of digestion uses enzymes to break down food.
What is the mouth?
This organ is where digestion begins with chewing and saliva.
What is the liver?
This organ produces bile to help digest fats.
What is hydrochloric acid?
This stomach acid helps kill bacteria and break down food.
What are villi?
These tiny finger-like structures increase surface area for absorption.
What is the autonomic nervous system?
This nervous system controls digestion automatically.
What is the esophagus?
This tube connects the mouth to the stomach.
What is the pancreas?
This organ releases enzymes into the small intestine.
What is pepsin?
This enzyme breaks down proteins in the stomach.
What is chyme?
This is the semi-liquid mixture of partially digested food leaving the stomach.
What is the cephalic phase?
This phase of digestion begins before food enters the mouth, triggered by sight or smell.
What is peristalsis?
This muscular action pushes food down the esophagus.
What is the gallbladder?
This organ stores and concentrates bile.
What is lactase?
This enzyme breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.
What is defecation?
This process moves waste out of the body.
What is peristalsis?
This wave-like contraction occurs throughout the digestive tract.
What is the epiglottis closing?
This reflex prevents food from entering the windpipe during swallowing.
What is the jejunum?
This part of the small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs.
What is cholecystokinin (CCK)?
This hormone stimulates the pancreas to release digestive enzymes.
What is the ileocecal valve?
This valve controls the passage from the small intestine to the large intestine.
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
This condition occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.