Nutrition and Energy (Structure and Function of the GI Tract) Flashcards
What mechanical digestion occurs in the mouth?
The movement of the jaw and tongue combining it with saliva to break food up into smaller pieces
What chemical digestion occurs in the mouth?
Salivary enzymes cleaving chemical bonds within macronutrient structures
What area of the gastrointestinal tract, shared with the respiratory system, directs food, fluids and air into their correct passages?
The pharynx, with the epiglottis preventing food and fluids entering the trachea and lungs
What is the main role of the oesophagus?
To control the rate of entry of food into the stomach
What mechanical digestion occurs in the stomach?
The muscular movements of the stomach combining the HCl, Digestive juices and food to break food into smaller pieces
What chemical digestion occurs in the stomach?
HCl breaking proteins down
What does the acidic environment of the stomach do to microorganisms and bacteria?
The acidic environment kills microorganisms and bacteria
What mechanical digestion occurs in the small intestine?
Muscular pushing of chyme along the small intestine (Peristalsis)
What chemical digestion occurs in the small intestine?
Enzymatic breakdown of macronutrients into smaller nutrient particles
What is the main purpose of the small intestine?
Nutrient absorption
What mechanical digestion occurs in the large intestine?
Water absorption from chyme into body
What chemical digestion occurs in the large intestine?
Gut bacteria (Microbiota) break down undigested materials and produce certain vitamins
What is the main purpose of rectum?
Storage and elimination of waste
What digestive juice does the liver produce?
Bile (Aids in fat digestion and absorption)
Where is bile stored?
The gall bladder
