 | Term | Definition |
| |
digestion |
the changing or breaking down of food in the mouth, stomach and intestines so that the body can use it. |
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esophagus |
tube for the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach, it is also called the food tube. |
| |
stomach |
the large, muscular bag in the body which recieves, mixes the food, and digests some of it before passing it on to the intestines. |
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gastric juice |
the digestive fluid secreted by glands in the lining of the stomach. It helps break down the food particulary proteins. |
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saliva |
liquid that glands secrete into the mouth to keep it moist, and in chewing and start digestion. |
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small intestine |
slender part of the intestines, extending from the stomach to the large intestine. |
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mucus |
a slimy substance that moistens the lining of the body cavities. |
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peristalsis |
movement in the wall of a hollow organ which moves (propells) its food or content onward. |
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bicuspids |
tooth having two cusps, or pointed ends, that tears and grinds. An adult has eight of these. (crushing and cracking) |
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cuspids |
tooth having one cusp, or pointed end, and used especially for tearing food. An adult has four of these. These are also called canines. |
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incisors |
tooth having sharp edge for cutting, one of the front teeth. An adult has eight of these. (sissors) |
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molars |
tooth with a broad surface for grinding. Your back teeth are these. |
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carbohydrate |
nutrient that supplies energy. |
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fat |
energy-storage nutrient. |
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protein |
nutrient needed by the body to build and repair cells. |
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vitamin |
special substance required for normal growth and nourishment of the body. |
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enamel |
hard, white covering of the teeth- hardest substance in the body. |
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pulp |
soft, inner part of tooth- contains blood vessels and nerves. |
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absorption |
movement of food from digestive system into the blood. |
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bile |
green liquid that breaks down fats and oil. |
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villi |
tiny, hairlike structures growing out of the lining of the small intestines. They absorb nutrients. |
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chyme |
a pulpy semi-liquid into which food is changed by stomach juices and churning action (throw up.) |
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large intestine |
absorbs vitamins and water from broken down and leaves behind solid waste. |
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gall bladder |
organs that produce juices and enzymes that help break down food. |
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enzyme |
cause chemical reactions to help food break down. |
