Digestive system Flashcards
how does the digestive system tell us we are hungry, full and thirsty.
sending messages to and from the brain through the nervous system
what distance does food’s journey through the alimentary canal cover from ingestion to excretion?
about 9m (30 feet)
what is the role of the small intestine?
absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
what is the role of the large intestines?
absorbs water and vitamins, also forms and stores faeces.
what are digestive enzymes?
biological catalysts used to break down nutrients
what 4 enzymes break down carbs?
amylase, sucrase, maltase and lactase.
what enzyme breaks down fats?
Lipase
what 3 enzymes break down protein?
pepsin, peptidase and trypsin
what is carbohydrate broken down into?
glycogen then glucose
what are fats broken down into?
fatty acids and glycerol
what is protein broken down into?
peptide chains then amino acids
how many grams of fibre is recommended for an adult to eat per day?
30g
what is the role of fibre?
- for smooth and speedy passing
- increases good bacteria in the gut
- helps you feel full for longer
5 roles of the liver?
- bile secretion
- removes nutrients from blood and stores it
- removes harmful substances from blood
- stores vitamins and minerals
- removes bacteria from blood stream
what is the role of the pancreas?
produces digestive enzymes
