Purpose Of The Gut

Question 1

What is a sphincter and what is its role?

Answer 1

Muscular ring which contracts and relaxes controlling the flow of substances between the different sections of the gut

Question 2

What is the function of saliva?
What does it contain?

Answer 2

Helps physical and chemical breakdown of food in mouth

Contains enzymes like amylase

Question 3

How does the stomach contribute to digestion?

Answer 3

Muscular contractions and releases proteases to breakdown proteases
Acid stops infection
Secretes intrinsic factor (Vit B12)

Question 4

What is the role of the duodenum in digestion?

Answer 4

Neutralises chyme with bicarbonate secretions

Contains bile made by the liver emulsifying fats

Question 5

Where does most digestion and nutrient absorption occur?

Answer 5

Jejunum

Question 6

What is the function of the large intestine?

Answer 6

Final water absorption
Storage of stool
Supports growth of benefical bacteria
Produces mucus as a barrier between bacteria and guts epithelial cells

Question 7

What is the antrum?

Answer 7

Very muscular lower portion of stomach

Question 8

What does most B12 absorption and bile salt reabsorption happen?

Answer 8

Ileum

Question 9

What is the function of the large intestine?

Answer 9

Final water absorption
Stool storage