Lesson 2.4.3 The Small Intestine

Question 1

How long is small intestine?

Answer 1

20 feet or 6 meters.

Question 2

What is the function of the small intestine?

Answer 2

It is charged with the task of unlocking and absorbing micronutrients from macronutrients.

Question 3

What supports the digestive enzymes in consumed food?

Answer 3

Enzymatic function in the small intestine is supported by the enzymes derived from consumed food.

Question 4

How long does the small intestine take to perform its tasks in digestion.

Answer 4

Approximately 3 hours.

Question 5

Which digestive organs support the small intestine?

Answer 5

The small intestine, with the aid of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.

Question 6

What are proteins broken down to?

Answer 6

Proteins break down into amino acids.

Question 7

What are carbohydrates reduced to?

Answer 7

Simple sugars.

Question 8

What is produced by the breakdown of fats?

Answer 8

Fatty acids.

Question 9

Describe the nature of the pancreatic secretions.

Answer 9

The pancreas, nestled below the stomach, contributes alkaline pancreatic juices necessary for the successful completion of the digestive process. These juices contain numerous enzymes.

Question 10

What happens if fats have been eaten?

Answer 10

If fats have been eaten, the gallbladder releases stored bile.

Question 11

How does bile perform?

Answer 11

It is a fat emulsifier that separates fat into small droplets so that pancreatic enzymes can more easily break them down for absorption.

Question 12

Is bile an enzyme?

Answer 12

No, bile is produced by the liver and is not really an enzyme but rather a fat emulsifier.

Question 13

What is the role of the liver?

Answer 13

The liver plays a key role in the metabolism of fats and proteins. It also regulates blood clotting and produces cholesterol, the precursor substance required for steroid hormone synthesis. As a blood cleanser, the liver breaks down remnants of hormones, medications, alcohol, and other toxic substances, rendering them harmless.

Question 14

Where is insulin produced?

Answer 14

The pancreas.

Question 15

What is the function of insulin?

Answer 15

The hormone insulin is necessary for the cells to use glucose, a simple sugar.

Question 16

What is broken down into glucose?

Answer 16

Carbohydrates.

Question 17

What is glucose?

Answer 17

The major source of energy in the body.

Question 18

What happens if there is no insulin?

Answer 18

Without insulin, glucose is unavailable to the cells and remains in the bloodstream, causing problems such as hyperglycemia, polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyuria (excessive urine production). Collectively, these symptoms are known as diabetes.

Question 19

What is the result of ingesting sweet food?

Answer 19

Sweets are detrimental because they are absorbed immediately, abruptly increasing blood-sugar levels and forcing the pancreas to release large amounts of insulin quickly.