digestion, absorption, and metabolism Flashcards
when are nutrients available for use by the body?
when they cross the intestinal barrier
what organs compose the digestive system?
mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum
what are the functions of the digestive system?
- receives food
- releases nutrients
- delivers nutrients
- excrete indigestible foods
describe the two types of digestion
physical - physically broken down into smaller pieces
chemical - broken down by acids and enzymes
what is the function of the mouth?
- produces enzymes
- breaks up food and mixes with saliva
- taste
what is the function of the esophagus?
- travels food to the stomach
- connects mouth to stomach
what is the function of the stomach?
- storage of food
- mixing food with gastric juices
- emptying of food into intestine
what is the function of the small intestine?
- secretion of enzymes
- absorption
- secretion of mucus
what is the function of the large intestine?
- absorbs water
- synthesizes some b and k vitamins
- collects food residue
what is absorption?
the passage of nutrients into the blood or lymphatic system
must be in the simplest form to be absorbed
what is the simplest form of carbs?
simple sugars (glucose)
what is the simplest form of proteins?
amino acids
what is the simplest form of fats?
fatty acids and glycerol
where does most absorption occur?
the small intestine
what is metabolism?
the chemical processes where nutrients are turned in energy
