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Definition

Amylase

The enzyme that digests starch into disaccharides 

Definition

Anemia

The lack of blood; caused when the number of red blood cells is reduced than the normal 

Definition

Appendix

Anon-functional finger-like process attached at the blind end of caecum

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Definition

Assimilation

The incorporation of the products of digestion into the body, where they are used to provide energy or for the growth and repair of tissues 

Definition

Balanced diet

A diet which contains all the essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins in the correct proportion for the normal growth and development of the body 

Definition

Bolus

The small, slippery, spherical mass of food formed in the oral cavity during the processes of mastication, lubrication, and semi-digestion

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Definition

Cardiac sphincter

The opening between the esophagus and the cardiac portion of the stomach (sphincter means an opening which is guarded by muscles) 

Definition

Chyme

The soup-like mixture formed after the action of the stomach on food 

Definition

Constipation

The condition where a person experiences hard feces that are difficult to eliminate 

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Definition

Diarrhea

The disease when required water is not absorbed in blood from the colon and watery stools result 

Definition

Dietary fiber

The part of human food from plant material that remains indigestible 

Definition

Digestion

The process in which the large and non-diffusible food molecules are broken down into smaller and diffusible molecules (that can cross the membranes) 

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Definition

Duodenum

The first 10 inches (25 cm) of the small intestine 

Definition

Emulsification

The process by which bile salts keep lipid droplets separate from one another

Definition

Epiglottis

The flap of cartilage on the glottis (opening of the trachea in the pharynx)

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Definition

Famine

The lack of enough food to feed all the people living in an area 

Definition

Fertilizer

The material which is added to the soil for desirable characteristics 

Definition

Gastric juice

The secretion of the gastric glands of the stomach; composed of water, mucous, hydrochloric acid, and pepsinogen 

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Definition

Gastrin

The hormone secreted by special cells in stomach walls by the stimulation of peptides present in food: gastrin stimulates the cells of gastric glands to secrete more gastric juice 

Definition

Goiter

The condition in which the thyroid gland becomes enlarged due to an insufficient amount of iodine in the diet 

Definition

Ileum

The last 3.5 meters long part of the small intestine; is concerned with the absorption of digested food 

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Definition

Intestinal juice

The secretion from the intestine walls contains many enzymes for the complete digestion of all kinds of food 

Definition

Jejunum

The 2.4 meters long part of the small intestine present after the duodenum 

Definition

Kwashiorkor

Disease due to protein deficiency: the patient may grow to normal height but are abnormally thin 

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Definition

Lacteal

A vessel of the lymphatic system present in the villus 

Definition

Laxatives

The medicines are given to relieve constipation 

Definition

Lipase

The enzyme that digests the lipids into glycerol and fatty acids

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Definition

Liver

The largest gland of the body: secretes bile into the duodenum and performs many other important functions

Definition

Malnutrition

Problems related to nutrition are grouped as malnutrition

Definition

Marasmus

Disease due to protein deficiency, the patient loses all their muscle strength and acquires a skeletal appearance 

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Definition

Mineral deficiency diseases

Diseases resulting from the deficiency of a mineral e.g. 

  1. Goiter 
  2. Anemia 
Definition

Nutrition

The process in which food is obtained or prepared, absorbed and converted into body substances for growth and energy

Definition

Esophagus

The long tube (25 cm in an adult humans) connects the pharynx with the stomach 

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Definition

Oral cavity

The first part of the alimentary canal; the space behind the mouth 

Definition

Over intake of nutrients

Over-intake of nutrients (OIN) is a form of malnutrition in which more nutrients are taken than the amounts required for growth, development, and metabolism. 

Definition

Pancreas

The gland that secretes pancreatic juice in the duodenum also produces the insulin hormone 

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Definition

Pancreatic juice

The secretion of the pancreas that contains enzymes trypsin, pancreatic amylase, and lipase 

Definition

Pepsin

The active form of enzyme pepsinogen that partially digests the proteins into shorter peptide chains 

Definition

Pepsinogen

The inactive enzyme present in gastric juice; activated into pepsin by HCI 

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Definition

Peristalsis

The rhythmic sequence of waves of contraction in the smooth muscles of the walls of the alimentary canal, thus squeezing the food down along the alimentary canal 

Definition

Pharynx

The section of the alimentary canal after the oral cavity and before the oesophagus 

Definition

Protein-energy malnutrition

Protein-energy malnutrition refers to inadequate availability or absorption of energy and proteins in the body. It may lead to diseases such as:

  1. Kwashiorkor
  2. Marasmus
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Definition

Pyloric sphincter

The opening between the pyloric portion and small intestine 

Definition

Rectum

The last part of the large intestine: opens out through anus 

Definition

Saliva

The secretion from the salivary glands: contains, water, mucous, and amylase enzyme 

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Definition

Starvation

Starvation is a severe reduction in nutrient and energy intake and is the most horrible effect of malnutrition. 

Definition

Stomach

The dilated part of the alimentary canal, on the left of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm 

Definition

Swallowing

During swallowing the bolus is pushed to the back of the mouth by the tongue. 

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Definition

Trace minerals

The mineral in human food that is required in amounts less than 100 mg per day 

Definition

Trypsin

The enzyme present in pancreatic juice, for the digestion of proteins

Definition

Ulcer

Peptic ulcer: A sore in the gut lining caused by a gradual breakdown of the tissue by the acidic gastric juice

Definition

Villus

The finger-like projection present on the inner walls of the ileum

Definition

Vitamins

The chemicals that are required in low amounts but are essential for normal growth and metabolism

Definition

Water-soluble vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed directly in the blood, and travel freely: excess is excreted in the urine and is needed infrequent doses (1-3 days) e.g. B-complex and Vitamin C. 

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Definition

Glottis

The opening of the trachea in the pharynx 

Definition

Macronutrients

The elements required by plants in larger quantities 

Definition

Micronutrients

The elements which are required in lower quantities 

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Definition

Nutrients

The elements and compounds that an organism obtains as energy sources or as components for the synthesis of new materials 

Definition

Obesity

Becoming over-weight: one reason is the intake of food that contains energy more than their requirement and does very little physical work

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