Digestive System
The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients the body can absorb and use for energy, growth, and repair. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and other organs that work together to process food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste.
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Discover the various components and structures that make up the Digestive System.
Digestive System Components
Accessory Pancreatic Duct
Secondary duct emptying into duodenum.
Anal Canal
Terminal part of the large intestine.
Anus
Opening through which feces are expelled.
Ascending Colon
Vertical segment of the colon on the right side.
Body
Main central region of the stomach.
Body of Pancreas
Central elongated portion of pancreas.
Cardia
Upper opening of the stomach.
Caudate Lobe
Lobe of liver near inferior vena cava.
Cecum
First part of large intestine.
Cheeks
Lateral walls of the oral cavity composed of muscle and fat.
Common Bile Duct
Conveys bile from liver and gallbladder to duodenum.
Common Hepatic Duct
Carries bile from liver to bile duct.
Cystic Duct
Connects gallbladder to common bile duct.
Descending Colon
Vertical segment of the colon on the left side.
Duodenal Bulb
Initial section of duodenum closest to the stomach.
Duodenum
First portion of the small intestine.
Epiploic Appendages
Fat-filled pouches attached to colon.
Esophagus
Muscular tube conveying food from the pharynx to the stomach.
External Anal Sphincter
Voluntary muscle around anus.
Falciform Ligament
Connects liver to anterior abdominal wall.
Fundus
Upper curved portion of the stomach.
Gallbladder
Stores and concentrates bile.
Gingiva
Gums; soft tissue covering the bones of the jaw.
Greater Omentum
Fatty fold of peritoneum covering intestines.
Hard Palate
Bony anterior portion of the roof of the mouth.
Haustra
Pouch-like segments of colon.
Head of Pancreas
Widest part of pancreas nestled in duodenum.
Hepatic Flexure
Bend between ascending and transverse colon.
Ileocecal Valve
Controls flow from ileum to cecum.
Ileum
Final and longest portion of the small intestine.
Internal Anal Sphincter
Involuntary muscle around anal canal.
Jejunum
Second portion of the small intestine.
Laryngopharynx
Lower part of pharynx leading to esophagus.
Left Lobe
Smaller lobe of the liver.
Lesser Omentum
Connects stomach and liver.
Ligamentum Venosum
Remnant of ductus venosus in liver.
Lingual Frenulum
Fold of mucous membrane anchoring the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Lips
Fleshy borders of the mouth that aid in speech and food intake.
Liver
Largest gland in the body with roles in metabolism and bile production.
Lower Esophageal Sphincter
Muscle at the junction of esophagus and stomach.
Main Pancreatic Duct
Primary duct draining pancreatic juices.
Major Duodenal Papilla
Opening for bile and pancreatic ducts into duodenum.
Mesentery
Fold of peritoneum anchoring intestines.
Mesocolon
Peritoneal fold attaching colon to posterior wall.
Minor Duodenal Papilla
Opening for accessory pancreatic duct.
Nasopharynx
Superior region of pharynx behind the nasal cavity.
Neck of Pancreas
Short section between head and body.
Oral Cavity
Entry point of the digestive system; includes teeth, tongue, and salivary openings.
Oropharynx
Middle region of the pharynx behind the oral cavity.
Palatine Tonsils
Lymphatic tissues on either side of the oropharynx.
Pancreas
Gland with both endocrine and exocrine functions.
Parotid Glands
Largest salivary glands located near the ear.
Peritoneum
Serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
Pyloric Sphincter
Regulates passage of chyme from stomach to duodenum.
Pylorus
Distal part of stomach leading to duodenum.
Quadrate Lobe
Small lobe located between gallbladder and round ligament.
Rectum
Straight section of the colon leading to anus.
Right Lobe
Larger functional lobe of the liver.
Round Ligament of Liver
Remnant of fetal umbilical vein.
Rugae of Stomach
Internal folds allowing expansion of the stomach.
Sigmoid Colon
S-shaped final segment of the colon.
Soft Palate
Muscular posterior part of the roof of the mouth.
Splenic Flexure
Bend between transverse and descending colon.
Stomach
Muscular sac that begins digestion of protein.
Sublingual Glands
Salivary glands beneath the tongue.
Submandibular Glands
Salivary glands beneath the mandible.
Tail of Pancreas
Tapered end of pancreas near spleen.
Teeth
Structures in the jaws for mechanical breakdown of food.
Teniae Coli
Longitudinal muscle bands of colon.
Tongue
Muscular organ aiding in taste, speech, and food manipulation.
Transverse Colon
Horizontal part of the colon.
Upper Esophageal Sphincter
Muscle ring that controls entry into the esophagus.
Uvula
Dangling soft tissue at the back of the soft palate.
Vermiform Appendix
Worm-like appendage of the cecum.