Asn Study > Digestive System > Flashcards

Digestive System Flashcards

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1
Q

Define digestion.

A

The process of breaking down food into smaller components for absorption.

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2
Q

What is the main function of the stomach?

A

To mix food with gastric juices and initiate protein digestion.

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3
Q

True or false: The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs.

A

TRUE

The small intestine includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: The esophagus connects the _______ to the stomach.

A

Pharynx

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5
Q

What is the role of saliva in digestion?

A

To begin the breakdown of carbohydrates and lubricate food for swallowing.

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6
Q

Define peristalsis.

A

The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

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7
Q

What does the liver produce?

A

Bile, which helps in the digestion and absorption of fats.

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8
Q

True or false: The pancreas produces insulin and digestive enzymes.

A

TRUE

Insulin regulates blood sugar, while enzymes aid in digestion.

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9
Q

Fill in the blank: The large intestine absorbs _______ and forms feces.

A

Water

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10
Q

What is the function of the gallbladder?

A

To store and concentrate bile produced by the liver.

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11
Q

Define enzymes in the context of digestion.

A

Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions to break down food components.

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12
Q

What is chyme?

A

The semi-liquid mixture of food and digestive juices in the stomach.

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13
Q

True or false: Fiber aids in digestion but is not digested.

A

TRUE

Fiber helps regulate the body’s use of sugars.

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14
Q

Fill in the blank: The rectum stores _______ until elimination.

A

Feces

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15
Q

What is the role of the duodenum?

A

To receive chyme and digestive juices for further digestion.

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16
Q

Define absorption in digestion.

A

The process of taking nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

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17
Q

What is the function of gastric acid?

A

To break down food and kill harmful bacteria in the stomach.

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18
Q

True or false: The appendix has no known function.

A

FALSE

The appendix may play a role in gut flora maintenance.

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: Bile is stored in the _______.

A

Gallbladder

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20
Q

What is the function of the pancreas in digestion?

A

To produce digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin.

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21
Q

Define malabsorption.

A

A condition where the body cannot absorb nutrients properly from food.

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22
Q

What is peristalsis?

A

The rhythmic contraction of muscles that moves food through the digestive tract.

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23
Q

True or false: The stomach has a pH of around 2.

A

TRUE

This acidic environment helps digest food and kill pathogens.

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24
Q

Fill in the blank: The intestinal villi increase the surface area for _______.

A

Absorption

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25
What is the **function** of the mucosa?
To protect the digestive tract and facilitate absorption.
26
Define **gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)**.
A chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
27
What is the **role** of probiotics in digestion?
To promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and improve digestion.
28
True or false: The **large intestine** is shorter than the small intestine.
FALSE ## Footnote The large intestine is wider but shorter in length.
29
Fill in the blank: **Lactose** is a sugar found in _______.
Milk
30
What is **constipation**?
A condition characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
31
Define **digestion** in the mouth.
The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food begins with chewing and saliva.
32
What is the **function** of the salivary glands?
To produce saliva, which contains enzymes that begin carbohydrate digestion.
33
True or false: **Enzymes** are consumed during digestion.
FALSE ## Footnote Enzymes facilitate reactions but are not used up in the process.
34
Fill in the blank: The **cecum** is the beginning of the _______.
Large intestine
35
What is **dysphagia**?
Difficulty swallowing due to various medical conditions.
36
Define **peptic ulcer**.
A sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or small intestine.
37
What is the **function** of bile salts?
To emulsify fats, making them easier to digest and absorb.
38
True or false: The **gallbladder** secretes bile directly into the bloodstream.
FALSE ## Footnote The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine.
39
Fill in the blank: **Cholecystokinin** stimulates the release of _______.
Bile and pancreatic enzymes
40
What is the **function** of the colon?
To absorb water and electrolytes, forming solid waste.
41
Define **enteritis**.
Inflammation of the intestine, often causing diarrhea and abdominal pain.
42
What is **gastroenteritis**?
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to infection.
43
True or false: **Nutrients** are absorbed in the stomach.
FALSE ## Footnote Most nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine.
44
Fill in the blank: The **sphincter** controls the flow of _______ between organs.
Food or fluids
45
What is the **function** of the pancreas in regulating blood sugar?
To secrete insulin and glucagon, maintaining glucose levels.
46
Define **gastrointestinal tract**.
The continuous tube from the mouth to the anus involved in digestion.
47
What is **flatulence**?
The accumulation of gas in the digestive system, leading to expulsion.
48
True or false: **Hydrochloric acid** is secreted by the pancreas.
FALSE ## Footnote Hydrochloric acid is secreted by the stomach.
49
Fill in the blank: **Nutrients** are transported through the bloodstream to _______.
Cells
50
What is **bile** composed of?
Bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, and electrolytes.
51
Define **gastrostomy**.
A surgical procedure to create an opening in the stomach for feeding.
52
What is the **function** of the small intestine's villi?
To increase surface area for nutrient absorption.
53
True or false: **Celiac disease** is an autoimmune disorder affecting digestion.
TRUE ## Footnote It is triggered by gluten, leading to intestinal damage.
54
Fill in the blank: The **digestive system** includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and _______.
Intestines
55
What is **malnutrition**?
A condition resulting from inadequate or unbalanced nutrient intake.
56
Define **bariatric surgery**.
Surgical procedures aimed at weight loss by altering the digestive system.
57
What is the **function** of the spleen in digestion?
To filter blood and support immune function, indirectly aiding digestion.
58
True or false: **Digestive enzymes** are produced in the stomach only.
FALSE ## Footnote They are produced in the mouth, stomach, and pancreas.
59
Fill in the blank: The **gastrointestinal** tract is also known as the _______.
Alimentary canal
60
What is **irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)**?
A functional gastrointestinal disorder causing abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
61
Define **enteral nutrition**.
Nutrition provided through the gastrointestinal tract via a feeding tube.
62
What is the **function** of the liver in detoxification?
To metabolize and remove toxins from the bloodstream.
63
True or false: **Stomach ulcers** can be caused by stress.
TRUE ## Footnote Stress can increase stomach acid, contributing to ulcer formation.
64
Fill in the blank: The **digestive process** begins in the _______.
Mouth
65
Define **gastroenterology**.
The branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders.
66
What does **hematochezia** indicate?
The passage of fresh blood through the anus, often signifying lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
67
True or false: **Esophageal varices** are enlarged veins in the esophagus.
TRUE ## Footnote They can rupture and cause severe bleeding, often linked to liver disease.
68
Fill in the blank: **Cholecystitis** is inflammation of the ______.
gallbladder
69
What is the primary function of the **liver**?
To process nutrients, detoxify substances, and produce bile.
70
Define **peptic ulcer**.
A sore on the lining of the stomach or the duodenum caused by acid.
71
What does **ascites** refer to?
The accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often due to liver disease.
72
True or false: **Irritable bowel syndrome** is a structural gastrointestinal disorder.
FALSE ## Footnote IBS is a functional disorder without visible structural abnormalities.
73
Fill in the blank: **Diverticulitis** is the inflammation of ______.
diverticula
74
What is **gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)**?
A chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
75
Define **hepatitis**.
An inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections or toxins.
76
What does **endoscopy** allow doctors to do?
To visualize the interior of the digestive tract using a flexible tube.
77
True or false: **Cirrhosis** is reversible liver damage.
FALSE ## Footnote Cirrhosis is permanent scarring of the liver due to long-term damage.
78
Fill in the blank: **Pancreatitis** is inflammation of the ______.
pancreas
79
What is the main symptom of **gallstones**?
Severe abdominal pain, especially after eating fatty meals.
80
Define **malabsorption syndrome**.
A condition where the body cannot absorb nutrients properly from food.
81
What does **colonoscopy** examine?
The inner lining of the large intestine (colon) for abnormalities.
82
True or false: **Celiac disease** is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.
TRUE ## Footnote It leads to damage in the small intestine when gluten is consumed.
83
Fill in the blank: **Constipation** is defined as having fewer than ______ bowel movements per week.
three
84
What is the role of **bile**?
To aid in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.
85
Define **dysphagia**.
Difficulty swallowing, which can result from various medical conditions.
86
What does **fecal occult blood test** detect?
Hidden blood in the stool, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
87
True or false: **Appendicitis** is an inflammation of the appendix.
TRUE ## Footnote It often requires surgical removal of the appendix.
88
Fill in the blank: **Hemorrhoids** are swollen ______ in the rectal area.
veins
89
What is the main cause of **gastroenteritis**?
Infection by viruses, bacteria, or parasites leading to inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
90
Define **enteritis**.
Inflammation of the small intestine, often caused by infections or inflammatory diseases.
91
Define **antacid**.
A medication that neutralizes stomach acidity to relieve heartburn and indigestion.
92
True or false: **Proton pump inhibitors** reduce stomach acid production.
TRUE ## Footnote Examples include omeprazole and lansoprazole.
93
Fill in the blank: **H2 receptor antagonists** reduce _______ secretion.
gastric acid
94
What is the function of **laxatives**?
To stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
95
Define **antiemetic**.
A drug used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting.
96
What do **prokinetic agents** do?
They enhance gastrointestinal motility and accelerate gastric emptying.
97
True or false: **Sucralfate** protects the stomach lining.
TRUE ## Footnote It forms a protective barrier over ulcers.
98
Fill in the blank: **Bismuth subsalicylate** is used for _______ relief.
diarrhea
99
What is the role of **digestive enzymes**?
To break down food into nutrients for absorption.
100
Define **lactase**.
An enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.
101
True or false: **Metoclopramide** is used to treat gastroparesis.
TRUE ## Footnote It increases gastric motility.
102
What is **omeprazole** classified as?
A proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid.
103
Fill in the blank: **Fiber supplements** help with _______.
constipation
104
Define **cholestyramine**.
A bile acid sequestrant used to lower cholesterol levels.
105
What is the purpose of **laxatives**?
To promote bowel movements and relieve constipation.
106
True or false: **Antidiarrheals** slow down gut motility.
TRUE ## Footnote Examples include loperamide and diphenoxylate.
107
What does **simethicone** do?
It reduces gas and bloating by breaking up gas bubbles.
108
Fill in the blank: **Probiotics** are beneficial _______.
bacteria
109
Define **enteral nutrition**.
Nutrition provided through the gastrointestinal tract via feeding tubes.
110
What is the function of **pancreatic enzymes**?
To aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
111
True or false: **Sodium bicarbonate** is an antacid.
TRUE ## Footnote It neutralizes stomach acid.
112
Fill in the blank: **Gastric bypass** surgery alters the _______ system.
digestive
113
What are **opioids** known to cause?
Constipation as a common side effect.
114
Define **cholecystokinin**.
A hormone that stimulates gallbladder contraction and bile release.
115
What is **lactulose** used for?
To treat constipation and hepatic encephalopathy.
116
True or false: **Antacids** can cause diarrhea.
FALSE ## Footnote Some may cause constipation instead.
117
Fill in the blank: **Esomeprazole** is a type of _______.
proton pump inhibitor
118
What does **docusate sodium** do?
It acts as a stool softener to ease bowel movements.
119
Define **gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)**.
A chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
120
What is the purpose of **antibiotics** in digestive health?
To treat bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract.
121
True or false: **Cimetidine** is an H2 receptor antagonist.
TRUE ## Footnote It reduces stomach acid production.
122
Fill in the blank: **Proton pump inhibitors** are effective for _______.
ulcers
123
What is **loperamide** used for?
To treat acute diarrhea by slowing gut movement.
124
Define **gastroprotective agents**.
Medications that protect the gastric mucosa from damage.
125
What is the role of **fiber** in digestion?
To promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
126
True or false: **Ranitidine** is no longer widely used.
TRUE ## Footnote Concerns over safety led to its withdrawal.
127
Fill in the blank: **Bile acids** are produced in the _______.
liver
128
What does **metformin** do in relation to digestion?
It helps control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.
129
Define **gastrointestinal motility**.
The movement of food through the digestive tract.
130
What is the function of **bile**?
To emulsify fats and aid in their digestion.
131
True or false: **Antispasmodics** relieve intestinal cramping.
TRUE ## Footnote They help reduce gastrointestinal spasms.
132
Fill in the blank: **Chloride** is important for _______ secretion.
gastric acid
133
What is **zinc**'s role in digestive health?
It supports immune function and gut integrity.
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