Chapter 3 nut Flashcards
- Mouth
Chews food, mixes with saliva, begins carbohydrate digestion.
- Esophagus
Transfers food from mouth to stomach (bolus); esophageal sphincter prevents reflux.
- Stomach
Produces gastric juice (HCl and enzymes) to digest proteins; churns food into chyme.
- Small Intestine (Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum)
Main site of digestion and absorption; receives digestive enzymes from pancreas and bile from liver.
- Large Intestine
Absorbs water, minerals, and houses gut bacteria.
- Rectum
Stores waste before elimination.
- Anus
Controls excretion of waste.
- Pancreas
Produces digestive enzymes (carbohydrase, protease, lipase) and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.
- Liver
Produces bile for fat digestion.
- Gallbladder
Stores and releases bile into the small intestine.
- Saliva
Moistens food, begins carbohydrate digestion, contains antibacterial enzymes.
- Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Kills bacteria, activates pepsin for protein digestion.
- Pepsin
Breaks down proteins into peptides.
- Pancreatic Juices
Contains enzymes (carbohydrase, protease, lipase) and bicarbonate to neutralize acid.
- Bile
Emulsifies fat for digestion by lipases.
Function of Bile
- Emulsification: Breaks down fat into smaller droplets, making it easier for enzymes (lipase) to digest.
- Produced by: Liver
- Stored in: Gallbladder
- Released into: Small intestine
Nutrient Transport in the Small Intestine
Absorption Methods:
- Simple Diffusion – Water and small lipids pass freely.
- Facilitated Diffusion – Water-soluble vitamins require a carrier protein.
- Active Transport – Glucose and amino acids need a carrier and energy.
- Transport Systems:
o Portal Vein (Liver) Circulation: Water-soluble nutrients (glucose, amino acids, small fats) go to the liver first.
o Lymphatic System: Fat-soluble nutrients bypass the liver and enter the bloodstream via the lymphatic system.
Fiber Digestion in Large Intestine & Probiotics
- Fiber is not digested but is fermented by gut bacteria in the colon.
- Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
o Examples: Yogurt, fermented foods. - Prebiotics: Foods that feed probiotics (fiber-rich foods like bananas, onions).
Constipation
Low fiber, dehydration, inactivity
Increase fiber, water, exercise
Choking
Food lodged in trachea
Heimlich maneuver
Heartburn (GERD)
Acid reflux due to weak esophageal sphincter
Avoid trigger foods, antacids, eat small meals
Diarrhea
Infection, IBS, food intolerance
Stay hydrated, probiotics, medication if needed
Vomiting
Food poisoning, motion sickness
Rehydration, small frequent meals
Peptic Ulcers
H. pylori bacteria, NSAID overuse, stress
Antibiotics, acid-reducing meds
Diverticulosis
Low fiber diet
High-fiber diet, fluids
