Home > Anatomy > Digestive System Terms and Definitions
Digestive System
| Definition: |
A group of organs stretching from the MOUTH to the ANUS, serving to breakdown foods, assimilate nutrients, and eliminate waste. In humans, the disgestive system includes the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT and the accessory glands (LIVER; BILIARY TRACT; PANCREAS). |
| Notes: |
GEN: prefer specifics; /abnorm = DIGESTIVE SYSTEM ABNORMALITIES but consider also specific part of digest syst with /abnorm or specific abnorm |
| Previously Indexed: |
Gastrointestinal System (1966-1971) |
Digestive System Categories.
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Biliary Tract - The BILE DUCTS and the GALLBLADDER. |
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Gastrointestinal Tract - Generally refers to the digestive structures stretching from the MOUTH to ANUS, but does not include the accessory glandular organs (LIVER; BILIARY TRACT; PANCREAS). |
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Liver |
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Pancreas - A mixed exocrine and endocrine gland situated transversely across the posterior abdominal wall in the epigastric and hypochondriac regions. The endocrine portion is comprised of the ISLETS OF LANGERHANS, while the exocrine portion is a compound acinar gland that secretes digestive enzymes. |
Digestive System Definitions and Terms
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