Large Intestine

Question 1

What is homeostasis?

Answer 1

• The maintenance of constant environment for cells in the body

Question 2

How does the large intestine contribute to the homeostasis balance in the human body?

Answer 2

• Water and minerals are absorbed from liquefied waste matter
• Some minerals are secreted from your body into the gastrointestinal tract to maintain homeostasis
• Helps maintain body, cell, water difference

Question 3

3 important functions of the large intestine

Answer 3

1- absorbs water and certain mineral ions from undigested foods
2- Forms solid wastes called faeces from undigested foods and bacteria
- Temporarily stores it until eliminated from the body during defecation
3- Reabsorption of water and mineral ions such as sodium chloride

Question 4

Why does the large intestine have lots of bacteria?

Answer 4

• The bacteria further digests some material creating gas (nitrogen, co2, hydrogen, methane)
• Makes important substances- Vitamin K which helps blood clotting
• Commensal bacteria- break down undigested polysaccharides or fibers in diet into short-chain fatty acids