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absorption
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the process of cells taking in digested substances
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amylase
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an enzyme that helps to break down carbohydrates
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bile
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a fluid created in the liver that aids in digestion of food in the duodenum
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carboxypeptidase
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an enzyme that helps to breakdown fats
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cholecystokinin
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a hormone produced by the small intestine that triggers the pancreas and gallbladder to contract when fats and proteins enter
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chyme
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a mix of gastric juices and digested food
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chymotrypsinogen
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an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller particles
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digestion
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the breakdown of solid food that includes both mechanical and chemical actions to form smaller, more absorbable substances in the body’s gastrointestinal tract
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dysbiosis
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a disruption to the microbiome resulting in an imbalance in the microbiota of the intestines
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elastase
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an enzyme that helps break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
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fistula
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a condition in which two body parts are abnormally connected
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frenulum
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the small tissue beneath the tongue that provides support
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gastrin
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a peptide hormone that regulates gastric motility, gastric secretion of stomach acid, and gastric mucosal growth
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guaiac test
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a test that confirms the presence of blood in stool
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homeostasis
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a balanced state in the body that allows for proper function
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ingestion
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the first step of the digestive process that involves bringing food and liquids into the body through the mouth
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insulin
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a hormone that assists in the absorption of glucose into cells for energy usage
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intrinsic factor
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a glycoprotein required for vitamin B
12
absorption in the small intestine
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lipase
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an enzyme that helps to break down fats
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mastication
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chewing action of the mouth
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meconium
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the first stool passed by a newborn
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melena
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dark, black, or sticky feces
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metabolism
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the part of digestion in which the body converts absorbed substances into energy
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nucleases
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an enzyme that breaks down nucleic acid chains
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pepsin
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an enzyme that begins to break down proteins in the stomach
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protease
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an enzyme that breaks down proteins
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somatostatin
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a hormone that regulates stomach acid secretion during digestion
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succussion splash
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a sloshing or splashing sound heard on auscultation of the abdomen due to excessive fluid remaining in the stomach
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trypsinogen
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an enzyme that helps break down fats into amino acids
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tympany
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a resonant, hollow sound potentially heard during percussion
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uvula
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the fleshy extension that hangs at the back of the throat and at the end of the soft palate