Module 13

Question 1

Define digestion

Answer 1

The process by which an organism breaks down its food into small units that can be absorbed by the body.

Question 2

Define vitamin

Answer 2

A chemical substance the body needs in small amounts to stay healthy.

Question 3

Is the salivary gland a part of the digestive system and if so, is it part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 3

The salivary glands are part of the digestive system. They put saliva into the mouth which partially digests and moistens food and lubricates the mouth making it easier for the tongue to form a bolus to swallow.
They are technically NOT a part of the digestive tract however because food does not pass through them.

Question 4

Is the epiglottis a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 4

The epiglottis is not a part of the digestive system. It is part of the respiratory system. It covers the larynx when you swallow to make sure food goes down the esophagus only.

Question 5

Is the larynx a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 5

The larynx is not a part of the digestive system. It is a part of the respiratory system.

Question 6

Is the trachea a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 6

The trachea is not part of the digestive system. It is a part of the respiratory system.

Question 7

Is the pancreas a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 7

The pancreas is a part of the digestive system. It has two main functions. 1. To make several digestive juices that squirt into the small intestine as chyme passes through the pyloric sphincter into the small intestine. 2. To produce sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the stomach acid as it enters the small intestine.
It is NOT a part of the digestive tract because food does not pass through it.

Question 8

Is the stomach a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 8

The stomach is BOTH a part of the digestive system and the digestive tract. It churns and mixes the food with gastric juices. The gastric juices contain stomach acid that destroys bacteria that may have been eaten with the food and helps dissolve food. The gastric juices also contain some digestive chemicals that start the chemical digestion of food. This turns the bolus of food into chyme.

Question 9

Is the small intestine a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 9

The small intestine is BOTH a part of the digestive system and the digestive tract. It chemically digests food and allows nutrients to be absorbed through its lining. IT IS THE ORGAN WHERE MOST OF THE ABSORPTION OF NUTRIENTS OCCURS.

Question 10

Is the rectum a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 10

The rectum is a part of BOTH the digestive system and digestive tract. It pushes feces out of the body through the anus.

Question 11

Is the pharynx a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 11

The pharynx is a part of BOTH the digestive system and digestive tract. It pushes food into the esophagus.

Question 12

Is the liver a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 12

The liver is a part of the digestive system but NOT part of the digestive tract. Digestive functions that it serves are to MAKE BILE, convert glucose into glycogen for storage, break down glycogen when needed for energy, store fats, and convert parts of fats and amino acids into glucose when the body needs energy.

Question 13

Is the gall bladder a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 13

The gall bladder is a part of the digestive system but NOT a part of the digestive tract. It stores and CONCENTRATES BILE and squirts it into the chyme as it passes into the small intestine. Bile is a chemical that aids in the digestion of fats and also helps neutralize the chyme as it enters the small intestine.

Question 14

Is the large intestine a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 14

The large intestine is a part of BOTH the digestive system and the digestive tract. It consolidates undigested food , absorbs water from it, and turns the resulting waste into feces. Bacteria in the large intestine also produce vitamin K.

Question 15

Is the anus a part of the digestive system and if so, is it a part of the digestive tract (alimentary canal)?

Answer 15

The anus is a part of BOTH the digestive system and the digestive tract. It is the opening through which feces exit.

Question 16

What function do we know the appendix serves?

Answer 16

The appendix acts as a safe haven for beneficial bacteria when sickness can wipe them out of the intestines. This allows bacteria to repopulate the intestines quickly after sickness is over.

Question 17

Which vitamins (fat soluble or water soluble) are most likely to build up to toxic levels in the body if you take too many?

Answer 17

Fat soluble vitamins are most likely to build up to toxic levels if you take too many. They include vitamins A,D,E,and K.

Question 18

What kind of role do most vitamins play in the body?

Answer 18

Vitamins typically regulate the chemical processes in the cells.

Question 19

Which two vitamins can the body absorb without eating food that contains those vitamins?

Answer 19

Vitamin D is made from sunlight hitting the skin, and

Vitamin K is made by bacteria in the large intestine.

Question 20

Which organ does food pass through first, the pharynx or the epiglottis.

Answer 20

Food passes through the pharynx first and then the epiglottis.

Question 21

Which vitamins are water soluble?

Answer 21

Water soluble vitamins are vitamin C and vitamin B