Digestion Flashcards
What is digestion?
The process which large (insoluble) molecules are hydrolysed by enzymes into small, soluble molecules which can be absorbed
Which organs are involved in digestion?
Mouth
Salivary glands
Oesphagus
Stomach
Liver
Gall bladder
Pancreas
Small intestine (ileum)
Large intestine
Rectum
Anus
What is the function of the mouth?
Food is ingested and teeth physically/mechanically digest the food
What is the function of the salivary glands?
Produces salivary amylase which begins the chemical digestion of starch
What is the function of the oesophagus?
Tube connecting the mouth to the stomach
What’s the function of the stomach?
A muscular bag that churns food (mechanical/physical break down) adds acid and pepsin to start the digestion process
What’s the function of the ileum?
A long tube with villi, site of final stages of digestion and absorption of monomers
What’s the function of the liver?
Produces bile (for emulsification of fats) that is stored in the gall bladder
What’s the function of the pancreas?
Produces many digestive enzymes which are released into the duodenum
What is the function of the large intestine?
Where water and ions are absorbed
What is the function of the rectum?
Storage of faeces before being expelled from the anus
What is ingestion?
When food is taken in through the mouth
What is absorption?
Where small soluble molecules are absorbed through the ileum into the blood
What is egestion?
Any food that can’t be digested is eliminated from the body (eg, cellulose, aka fibre -plant cell walls)
What are proteins broken down into?
Protestases hydrolyse the peptide bonds to form AMINO ACIDs