Digestive System Flashcards
What is digestion?
The breakdown of larger food molecules into smaller molecules.
What are the two types of digestion?
- Mechanical Digestion
- Chemical Digestion
What is mechanical digestion?
The physical breakdown of larger food molecules into smaller molecules.
What is the purpose of mechanical digestion?
To increase the surface area of the food mass.
What are some examples of mechanical digestion?
Chewing with the teeth
Churning with the stomach
What is chemical digestion?
The chemical breakdown of larger food molecules into smaller molecules.
(Catabolism)
What are some examples of chemical digestion?
Saliva in the mouth
Hydrochloric Acid in the stomach
What type of digestion occurs in the mouth?
Mechanical (Teeth)
and
Chemical (Saliva).
How does saliva chemically digest foods?
Through the usage of:
* Salivary Amylase (enzyme)
* Mucous (moisten foods)
* Buffers
* Antibacterial Chemicals
What is a bolus?
A ball of chewed food.
What is the function of salivary amylase in the mouth?
To break down starch.
What is the epiglottis?
A flap of carilage that closes the trachea (windpipe) when swallowing.
Define peristalsis.
Involuntary muscle contractions that move food along.
What are the layers of the GI tract?
(In order from inner to outermost)
- Mucosa
- Submucosa
- Double layer of muscle (Longitudinal, Circular)
- Serosa
What is the oesophagus?
A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
What is the main function of the stomach?
To store and break up food.
What type of digestion occurs in the stomach?
Mechanical (Churning)
and
Chemical (Hydrochloric acid & Pepsin).
What is the pH of Hydrochloric Acid? (HCl)
~2-3
What enzyme does the stomach produce?
Pepsin.
Why would pepsin only survive in the stomach?
Pepsin requires a very acidic (low pH) environment.