Affects of diet on alimentary canal

Question 1

Diarrhoea

Answer 1

When contents pass too fast through the alimentary canal, leading to insufficient water being absorbed

Caused by irritated bowels eg bacteria which stimulate peristalsis to occur

This leads to watery faeces

Severe diarrhoea can cause dehydration and even death

Question 2

Constipation

Answer 2

When the contents pass too slowly through the alimentary canal leading to too much water being absorbed.

This leads to faeces being drier and harder.

Usually caused by a lack of fibre, which stimulate the walls of the alimentary canal to constrict

Increase of fibre works as a treatment

Question 3

Bowel Cancer

Answer 3

Uncontrolled growth of cells on wall of large intestine

Risk factors: alcohol consumption, high consumption of red meat and low fibre intake.

Treatment includes radiation therapy and surgery

Question 4

Coeliac disease

Answer 4

When the body is unable to tolerate a protein called gluten, producing an immune response that destroys the villi of the alimentary canal

Hinders the body unable to absorb nutrients, leading to malnutrition