Digestive System Vocab

Absorption

The process by which nutrient molecules pass through the wall of the digestive system into the blood

Bile

a digestive juice secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder

Chyme

the pulpy acidic fluid that passes from the stomach to the small intestine, consisting of gastric juices and partly digested food.

Enzyme

A type of protein that speeds up a chemical reaction in a living thing

gastric juices

a thin, clear, virtually colorless acidic fluid secreted by the stomach glands and active in promoting digestion.

macronutrients

carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

Mastication

chewing

Bolus

a small rounded mass of a substance, especially of chewed food at the moment of swallowing.

metabolism

the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.

Micronutrients

vitamins and minerals

Peristalsis

the process of wave-like muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along

Villi

Small fingerlike projections on the walls of the small intestines that increase surface area

Gastriontestinal tract

The stomach and intestine as a functional unit.

Feces

solid waste