Digestion - Ch.2

Question 1

Define GALT. What is its function & location?

Answer 1

Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue is located throughout the gastrointestinal tract. It functions as protection for the immune system.

Question 2

Plasma Cells

Answer 2

Produce secretory IgA - binds antigens ingested with foods, inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and inhibits bacterial translocation. Overall: these cells help counter unwanted organisms in the body & clean it out.

Question 3

M-Cells

Answer 3

are antigen-presenting cells; they pass or transport foreign antigens to the Peyer’s patches of lymphocytes, which in turn mount an immune response. After processing the foreign antiges, some lymphocytes are released & enter circulation to augment the immune response.

Question 4

Dendritic cells function & where are they found?

Answer 4

a type of macrophage, found in gastrointestinal tract. They destroy foreign substances & then serve as antigen-presenting cells to stimulate lymphocyte activity & proliferation.

Question 5

What are the functions of hydrochloric acid (HCL)?

Answer 5

• to create an acidic env.
• denaturing proteins (uncoil to expose the protein’s peptide bonds so pepsin can perform its enzymatic functions
• releasing nutrients such as minerals from organice complexes so absorption can occur
• acts as a bactericide agent (kill bacteria ingested along with food)