B2 - The Digestive System Flashcards
What is digestion?
Digestion is the break down of insoluble foods into small soluble foods/substances
Why are large molecules of food classed as insoluble?
Because they are unable to be absorbed by the body
Why are small molecules of food classes as soluble?
Because they are able to be absorbed by the body
What are the two types of digestion?
Physical: such as chewing/churning
Chemical: such as HCI and Enzymes
Teeth and the tongue are considered to be what?
Physical digestive bodily features
What is the purpose of salivary glands?
To break lubricate food making it easier to swallow, it also contains the chemical enzyme Amylase which begins the digestion and breaking down of starch in food
What is the esophagus?
A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach
What is peristalsis?
The physical muscular contraction that occurs in the esophagus in wave movements to move food downwards into the stomach
What makes the stomach suitable for digesting foods?
It is a metaphorical ‘muscle bag’ that churns and mixes food whilst also producing HCI and the enzyme pepsin used in the digestion of proteins
It’s also lined with a thick layer of mucus which prevents the highly acidic HCI from penetrating the walls of the stomach
What is the purpose of the liver?
It produces bile which is stored in the gall bladder
What is bile?
Bile is an alkali substance that neutralizes acidic stomach acids and is critical for the absorption and digestion of lipids (fat acids)
Define lipid…
A fat acid
What is the purpose of the gallbladder?
It is the chamber in which bile is stored
What is a plant stenol ester?
A substance that lowers the bodies cholesterol levels
What are the benefits of plant stenol esters?
They lower the cholesterol levels in the body which decreases the risk of serious diseases and prevents diabetes and obesity
