GI digestion and absorption Flashcards
Define digestion
the breakdwon of nutrients into absorbale molecules
Define absoprtion
movement of nuterients, water and electrolytes from the gut lumen into the internal environment
What is the surface of the small intestine arranged in?
circular fold of Keckring villi project from the folds.
What are the surface of villi covered with?
epithelial cells (enterocytes) and mucus secreting cells (goblet cells). Apical surface of epithelial cells are covered by microvilli - brush border
What are the main cabrohydrates in “an avergae, western diet?
- starch
- glycogen]
- cellulse
- disaccharides
What are the main lipids within “an average western diet”?
- triacylglycerols
- phopsholipids
- cholestrol and cholestrol esters
- free fatty acids
- lipid vitamins
Where is the main supply of protein in “an average western diet” from?
ingested
endogenous sources - digestive enzymes and dead cells from GI tract
Name 4 fat soluble vitamins found in a normal diet?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Name the main water soluble vitamins in an “average western diet”
- B1/B2/B3/B5/B6/B12
- folate
- biotin
- Vitamin C
Name the main minerals found in an “average western diet”
Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Mg, Phosphorous
Name the pathological conditions assoicated with defiency in:
- vitamin D
- vitamin C
- B12
D = rickets
C = scruvy
B12 = anaemia
Overview of digestion and absoprtion in the mouth
very little digestion
small amount of lipid, CHO
almost no absorption (certain drugs)
Overview of digestion and absoprtion in the stomach
some digestion
protein but not very important
almost no absorption (certain drugs)
Overview of digestion and absoprtion in the small intestine
lots
CHO, lipid, protein
vital site of digestion and absorption, (some regional differences between duo, ileum, jejunum)
Overview of digestion and absoprtion in the large intestine
almost none (apart from water), some “indigestible” substances used as fuel by gut flora
What type of carbohydrates can be absorbed?
monosaccharides
Carboydrate digestion in the mouth
- salivary α-amylase
How does salivary α-amylase digest food in the stomach despite the acid pH
enzyme is contained with the bolus of food and this is protected from the pH of the stomach until broken down further
What enzymes act on carbohydrate digestion in the duodenum?
- Pancreatic amylase
- Brush border enzymes (maltase, sucrase & lactase) - act on disaccharides, producing monosaccharides-fructose, glucose & galactose
What are the digestible carbohydrates?
Starch (from plants) & glycogen (from animals):
Linear chains of glucose molecules joined by α 1-4 glycosidic bonds initially digested by amylase
What are indigestible carbohydrates?
Cellulose (from plants):
Linear chains linked by β 1-4 glycosidic bonds. No enzymes in humans to digest cellulose
What are amylases?
free enzymes acting in the GI lumen and digest only internal α-1-4 glycosidic bonds
Describe salivary amylase
secreted from mouth in response to sight & smell of food - of lesser importance than
Describe pancreatic amylase
secreted from pancreas into duodenum
o Produces maltotriose, maltose & α-limit dextrins
Draw a diagram showing the digestion of a polysacchride by pancreatic amylase
What are the products of amylase digested by?
digestedbyoligosaccharidases (attached to the enterocyte mucosal membrane of the brush border of epithelial cells)