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Abdominal cavity
One of the major compartments of the body, the abdominal cavity houses the gastrointestinal tract.
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Absorption
The stage of digestion during which nutrients are transported into the blood stream.
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Active Transport
The mechanism of transport during absorption that requires an electrochemical gradient and energy to transport nutrients into the blood stream.
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Amylase
An enzyme produced by the pancreas that is responsible for the degradation of carbohydrates.
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Assimilation
The stage of digestion during which nutrients are delivered to the rest of the body.
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Bicarbonate
A basic electrolyte that is produced by the exocrine pancreas, bicarbonateaids in maintaining neutrality in the small intestine.
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Brush Border Membrane
The highly specialized invaginated mucosa of the small intestine that is responsible for the absorption of many nutrients.
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Cecum
The dilated entrance to the colon.
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Cephalic Phase
The first phase of gastric acid secretion whereby gastric acid is secreted in response to chewing.
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Chyme
The result of mixing food bolus with acid in the stomach.
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Colon
The large intestine.
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Diffusion
The process of absorption occurring across a gradient that does not require energy.
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Digestion
The process by which large food particles are broken down into nutrients through mechanical and chemical degradation.
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Duodenum
The first portion of the small intestine.
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Electrolytes
Anions and cations found in the blood stream.
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Elimination
The stage of digestion whereby waste products are eliminated.
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Enzymes
Molecules responsible for breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
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Epithelium
The layer of cells that lines the intestine.
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Gastric Phase
The phase of gastric acid secretion that is stimulated by distension of the stomach by food in the stomach.
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Ileum
The third portion of the small intestine.
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Intestinal Phase
The phase of gastric acid secretion that is stimulated by protein in the small intestine.
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Jejunum
The second portion of the small intestine.
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Lipase
An enzyme produced by the pancreas responsible for the digestion of fats.
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Lymphatics
The series of connections of vessels that transport cells of the immune system throughout the body.
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Mass Movements
The peristaltic contractions that occur in response to a food bolus or stool.
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Micelle
A complex molecule made in the liver that aids in transporting fat degradation products into the blood stream.
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Migrating Motor Complex
The peristaltic contractions that occur constantly throughout the digestive tract.
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Mucosa
The lining of the intestinal lumen.
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Muscularis Externa
The middle layer of the intestinal tract.
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Nutrients
The final products of digestion that are absorbed into the blood stream.
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Passive Transport
The mechanism of transport of nutrients into the blood stream that requires a gradient or carrier molecule.
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Pepsin
An enzyme produced in the stomach responsible for protein degradation.
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Peristalsis
The squeezing mechanism of the gastrointestinal tract that keeps the contents of the lumen in constant motion from the mouth to the anus.
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Salivary Amylase
The enzyme produced by the salivary glands responsible for starch degradation.
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Secretion
The stage of digestion during which materials needed for digestion are released into the lumen of the intestine.
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Serosa
The outer layer of the intestinal tract.
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Sphincter
A specialized circular muscle that serves a gate-keeping function that prevents the free passage of material.
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Thoracic Cavity
The compartment of the body containing the heart, lungs, and mediastinum.
