Adventitia | Anus |
Appendix | Bile |
The terminal opening of the digestive tract through which feces are expelled. | The outermost connective tissue layer of an organ, such as the esophagus, which binds it to surrounding structures. |
A digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder; it helps emulsify fats for digestion. | A small, finger-like pouch attached to the cecum, thought to play a role in immune function. |
Bilirubin | Bolus |
Brush Border | Chief Cells |
A rounded mass of food mixed with saliva that is ready for swallowing. | A pigment derived from the breakdown of hemoglobin; it gives bile its yellow-green color and is excreted in bile. |
Gastric cells that secrete pepsinogen, an inactive enzyme that is converted into pepsin for protein digestion. | The microvilli-covered surface of intestinal epithelial cells, increasing surface area for nutrient absorption. |
Cholesterol | Chyme |
Circular Folds (Plicae Circulares) | D Cells |
A semi-fluid mixture of partially digested food and digestive juices that moves from the stomach into the small intestine. | A lipid molecule that is a key component of cell membranes and a precursor for bile acids and steroid hormones. |
Cells in the stomach and pancreas that secrete somatostatin, which inhibits gastric acid secretion. | Permanent folds in the small intestine that increase surface area for nutrient absorption. |
Duodenum | Epiglottis |
Esophagus | Feces |
A flap of cartilage that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. | The first section of the small intestine where most digestion occurs; it receives chyme, bile, and pancreatic enzymes. |
Solid waste material formed in the large intestine and expelled through the anus. | The muscular tube that transports food from the pharynx to the stomach via peristalsis. |
Fundus | G Cells |
Gallbladder | Gastrin |
Gastric cells that secrete gastrin, a hormone that stimulates acid production. | The dome-shaped upper part of the stomach that stores undigested food and gases. |
A hormone that stimulates gastric acid secretion and motility. | A small organ beneath the liver that stores and releases bile into the small intestine. |
Gastroesophageal | Haustrum |
Hepatic Portal System | Hepatic Portal Vein |
A pouch-like structure in the large intestine that helps move fecal material. | Relating to the stomach and esophagus, often used in reference to the gastroesophageal junction or reflux disease. |
The main vein that transports blood from the digestive tract to the liver for processing. | A network of veins that carry nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver. |
Hepatocytes | Ileum |
Intestinal Crypts (Crypts of Lieberkühn) | Jejunum |
The last section of the small intestine, responsible for absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts. | Liver cells responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and bile production. |
The middle section of the small intestine, primarily responsible for nutrient absorption. | Glandular structures in the small intestine that produce digestive enzymes and new epithelial cells. |
Kupffer Cells | Lacteal |
Liver | Mastication |
A lymphatic vessel within a villus that absorbs dietary fats. | Specialized macrophages in the liver that help remove pathogens and old red blood cells. |
The process of chewing food to break it down into smaller pieces. | A large organ that produces bile, detoxifies blood, and stores nutrients. |
Mesentery | Mesocolons |
Microvilli | Mouth |
Extensions of the peritoneum that anchor parts of the large intestine to the abdominal wall. | A fold of peritoneum that supports and connects the intestines to the abdominal wall. |
The opening of the digestive tract where food enters and mastication begins. | Tiny projections on the surface of epithelial cells that increase surface area for absorption. |
Mucosa | Muscularis Externa |
Myenteric Plexus | Omental Appendages |
A smooth muscle layer of the digestive tract responsible for peristalsis and segmentation. | The innermost lining of the digestive tract that contains mucus-secreting cells for protection and absorption. |
Small, fat-filled pouches attached to the colon, with an unclear function. | A network of nerves within the muscularis externa that controls digestive tract motility. |
Omentum | Pancreas |
Parietal Cells | Peristalsis |
A gland that produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin and glucagon. | A fold of peritoneum that contains fat and blood vessels, providing protection and support to abdominal organs. |
Rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle that move food through the digestive tract. | Cells in the stomach that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor, essential for vitamin B12 absorption. |
Peritoneum | Pharynx |
Pyloric | Rectum |
The muscular passageway connecting the mouth to the esophagus and larynx. | A serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs. |
The final section of the large intestine, where feces are stored before elimination. | Relating to the pylorus, the region of the stomach that connects to the small intestine. |
Retroperitoneal | Rugae |
Submucosal Plexus | Teniae Coli |
Folds in the stomach lining that allow expansion when food enters. | Referring to organs located behind the peritoneum, such as the kidneys and pancreas. |
Three bands of smooth muscle along the large intestine that help move feces. | A network of nerves in the submucosa that regulates glandular secretions and blood flow in the digestive tract. |
Villi | W2 |
W3 | W4 |
D2 | Finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption. |
D4 | D3 |