3.3 Digestion and Absorption Flashcards
What is the role of sight, sounds and smells in digestion?
Sensory input (table being set or sight), makes you stomach begin to secrete digestive substances.
What roles does saliva play?
It moistens the food so that it can easily be tasted and swallowed; it begins the enzymatic digestion of starch; it cleanses the mouth and protects teeth from decay; and it lubricates the upper GI tract.
How does saliva help us taste?
Food molecules dissolve in the saliva and are transported to the tastebuds on the tongue.
How does saliva play a role in the digestion of carbohydrates?
Saliva contains the enzyme salivary amylase which breaks down starch in foods like bread into chains of glucose.
How does saliva help prevent tooth decay?
Saliva contains lysozyme - an enzyme that inhibits the growth of bacteria that may cause tooth decay and it helps wash away food particles.
What is lysozyme?
An enzyme in saliva, tears, and sweat that is capable of destroying certain types of bacteria
What is saliva?
A watery fluid produced and secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands. It contains lubricants, enzymes, and other substances.
What is salivary amylase?
An enzyme secreted by the salivary glands that breaks down starch.
What is the importance of chewing in digestion?
Chewing breaks down food into smaller particles which allows more to be in contact with digestive enzymes. It also breaks apart fibre that traps nutrients in some food.
What is the pharynx?
A funnel-shaped opening that connects the nasal passages and mouth to the respiratory passages and esophagus. It is a common passageway for food and air and is responsible for swallowing.
What is the epiglottis?
A piece of elastic connective tissue at the back of the throat that covers the opening of the passageway to the lungs during swallowing.
How does the tongue initiate swallowing?
It moves the bolus of chewed food mixed with saliva back toward the pharynx.
Once initiated, what happens to swallowing?
Once initiated, swallowing becomes involuntary and proceeds under the control of nerves.
What can save a person from choking by blowing an object out of the blocked air passage?
The Heimlich Manoeuvre
What is the esophagus?
A portion of the GI tract that extends from the pharynx to the stomach.
