digestive systems Flashcards
what is nutrients
a nutrients is any food component that helps support life
macronutrients
protein, carbohydrates, fats, water, fibre
micronutrients
vitamins and minerals
water
hydration
removal of waste
allow chemicals reaction to take place
fibre
acids movement of food through the digestive system
expulsion of waste material
carbohydrates
supply energy to the cells
lipids
energy source
energy storage
insulation
protects organs
protiens
growth and repair
vitamins
important in a chemical reaction in cells
minerals
many functions in the overall body health
ingestion
uptake of food
digestion
break down of food
incisor
cutting and nibbling
canine
tearing and piercing
premolar
grinding and chewing food
molar
grinding and chewing food
herbivores
do not need canines instead they have gaps between the incisor. molars are wider and flatter. sharp incisors
peristaltic
Involuntary waves of muscle contraction that keep food moving along in one direction through the digestive system.
mechanical digestion
refers to the physical breaking down of food into smaller pieces, including the action of chewing via teeth
chemical digestion
the breakdown of food via enzymes and chemical
gut flora
Bacteria and other organisms that live inside the intestines. They help digest food.
amylase
it breaks down starch
produce in the salivary gland, the pancreas and small intestines
proteins
it breaks down protein into amino acids
produce in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestines
lipid
breaks down fat
produce in the pancreas and small intestines
liver
where bile is produced. bile neutralises stomach acid
hindgut fermenters
digest the majority of their food in their cecum and at the start of the large intestine large number, where there are large number of microbes to ferment the food
how does blood glucose id regulated
blood glucose levels are regulated by the pancreas in a homeostatic process. the pancreas detects blood glucose concentration, then releases hormones that alter the amount of glucose in the blood
insulin
is to balance the blood by lowing the blood sugar
glucagon
regulates glucose levels it does this by increasing blood sugar stopping it from dropping
villi
Villi are specialized for absorption in the small intestine as they have a thin wall, one cell thick, which enables a shorter diffusion path. They have a large surface area so there will be more efficient absorption of fatty acids and glycerol into the blood stream.
sickness and diarrhoea causes
unsuitable amount of food
contaminated food
unsuitable food types
stress
pathogens
treatment will vary depending on the cause
ruminant bloat
Bloat can occur in any ruminant but is most common in cattle. It is caused by a build-up of gas in the rumen and cannot be fatal. Frothy bloat is caused by foam in the rumen trapping the gas. Free gas bloat is caused by obstructions in the oesophagus. Surgical procedures are needed to receive the bloat.
ingestion of foreign bodies
forbidden bodies can cause obstruction in the digestive system. These can slow the digestive process, leading to the regurgitation of food or blocking the digestive system completely. Some forbidden bodies, such as nails or tools can puncture the digestive system leading to infection and death. treatment may involve surgery to remove the item.
reticulum
acts as a filter removes large objects
omasum
absorbs some water and reduces particle size
abomasum
contains enzymes for further breakdown of digesta
rumen
contains microorganisms that produce volatile fatty acids from cellulose
Assimilation
nutrients being put to a purpose
bird digestion
fast metabolic rate
- have to consume more food than normal
- they need to keep weight as low as possible
