Digestive System

Front

What is an ulcer?

Back

An ulcer is a sore that forms in the wall of the stomach or intestines, often due to the erosion of the mucosal lining.

Front

What is the function of the pyloric sphincter?

Back

The pyloric sphincter controls the release of chyme from the stomach into the small intestine.

Front

What is pepsinogen?

Back

Pepsinogen is the inactive form of the enzyme pepsin, which digests proteins in the stomach.

Front

What are villi?

Back

Villi are small, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for digestion and absorption.

Front

What is pepsin?

Back

Pepsin is the active form of the enzyme that digests proteins, formed from pepsinogen in the acidic environment of the stomach.

Front

What is peristalsis?

Back

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

Front

What is chyme?

Back

Chyme is the semi-liquid mass of partially digested food that is expelled from the stomach into the small intestine.

Front

What is the role of the cardiac sphincter?

Back

The cardiac sphincter, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter, prevents the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus.

Front

What is the ileocecal valve?

Back

The ileocecal valve is a sphincter that controls the flow of material from the small intestine to the large intestine.

Front

What is the function of sodium bicarbonate in digestion?

Back

Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes stomach acid in the small intestine, providing an optimal pH for enzyme activity.