Sec 32.3: Absorption of Nutrients Flashcards

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1
Q

What is absorption?

A

It is the process by which nutrients move out of the digestive organs into the circulatory (bloodstream) and lymphatic systems.

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2
Q

Describe the lining of the small intestine and its function

A

The lining is rigid and folded, which increases the surface area and slows the passage of materials through the intestine, allowing for more time for absorption.

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3
Q

What are villi?

A

They are small fingerlike projections that cover the folds of the small intestine lining and are covered with epithelial cells that absorb nutrients

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4
Q

What are microvilli?

A

They are tiny projections on the epithelial cells of the villi that add even more surface area to absorb nutrients

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5
Q

What are the 3 sections of the small intestine? How long is the entire small intestine?

A

Duodenum, jejunum, & ileum. 6 meters (20 ft) long

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6
Q

What nutrients do villi in the duodenum absorb?

A

Simple sugars, amino acids, and minerals (calcium and iron). They diffuse into the circulatory system and are carried to the liver.

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7
Q

What nutrients do villi in the jejunum absorb?

A

Glucose, some amino acids, vitamin C, most B vitamins, and some water. They diffuse into the circulatory system to be distributed to the rest of the body.

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8
Q

What nutrients do villi in the ileum absorb?

A

Fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin B12, fatty acids, cholesterol, and some water. They diffuse into lymph and blood vessels and are distributed to the cell.

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9
Q

What enters the liver after absorption in the small intestine? What is it used for?

A

Nutrient-rich blood. Enzymes use some to build more complex molecules needed by cells, and some are stored in liver tissues (such as excess glucose stored as glycogen)

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10
Q

What is the large intestine otherwise known as? How long is it?

A

The colon, 1.5 meters long (5 ft)

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11
Q

How much water does it absorb per day? Why?

A

It absorbs about 1 liter of water a day, and along with some salts, this helps to maintain fluid balance

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12
Q

What is feces?

A

It is a solid mass of remaining undigested materials, partly composed of undigested fiber from plant foods, dead bacteria, and traces of undigested fat and protein.

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13
Q

Where does feces get its brown color from?

A

From bile pigments from the liver

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14
Q

What is the rectum?

A

It is a tube that connects the large intestine to the anus, and where feces is stored until excretion

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15
Q

What is the anus?

A

Is where feces is eliminated through.

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16
Q

What do some of the many types of bacteria in the large intestine do?

A

Some synthesize a few B vitamins and vitamin K (blood-clotting factor).
Others, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), live harmlessly until some disturbance (illness) allows them to overgrow other bacteria

17
Q

What can an overgrowth of E. coli cause?

A

It can reduce water absorption and cause severe diarrhea.