Digestion Flashcards
what are the two processes of digestion
chemical digestion - pass through to build larger molecules
mechanical digestion - chewing
what does the digestion system consist of
the gastrointestinal (GI) tract together with accessory organs
when does digestion occur
occurs mainly in the stomach and small intestine
where does the absorption of nutrients occur
small intestines
where does the first stage of digestion take place
in the oral cavity
what does the salivary glands do
delivers saliva to lubricate food
what does saliva contain
mucus
what does the stomach do in digestion
churns and mixes the contents
causes proteins to denature
kills bacteria
what does the small intestine do in digestion
longest compartment of the alimentary canal
hydrolysis occurs here
first portion of the small intestine is called the duodeum
what does the large intestine do in digestion
absorbs water and compact undigested material
no digestion takes place!
but takes in minerals and vitamins
what is the process of food
passes through mouth > stomach > small intestine > large intestine > anus
why does the stomach have a low pH
activates pepsinogen
helps pancreatic activity
how does digestion and absorption of different molecules work in the small intestine
has a huge surface area due to villi and microvilli that are exposed to the intestinal lumen
what is the purpose of the pancreas and liver in digestion
the liver produces BILE and stored in the gallbladder
BILE aids in digestion and absorbing fats
energy is stored in the liver and muscle cells in the polymer glycogen
how is the digestive system regulated by hormones
the hormones insulin and glucagon regulate the breakdown of glycogen into glucose
low blood sugar causes glucagon to stimulate the breakdown of glycogen
