Unit 5: The Digestive System Flashcards
Responsibile for the intake, breakdown, use & removal of food & drink
What is the process of the digestive system?
Ingestion - Digestion - Absorption - Elimination
What is the alimentary canal?
The Digestive tract or gut
The small intestine is divided into 3 sections. What are they?
The Duodenum, Jejunum & ileum
How big is the small intestine?
As large as an adults middle finger but when stretched out, it’s about 22 feet long
What is included in the alimentary canal?
Mouth - oesophagus - stomach - small intestine - large intestine
What are Enzymes?
They are biological catalysts which mean they speed up chemical reactions in cells.
How are carbohydrates broken down in the digestive Tract?
Enzymes:
- Amylase
- Sucrase
- Maltase
- Lactase
Broken down into:
- Glycogen then glucose
Use:
- Energy
How are Fats broken down in the digestive Tract?
Enzymes:
- Lipase
Broken down into:
- Fatty acids & glycerol
Use:
- Energy
- Insulation
How are proteins broken down in the digestive Tract?
Enzymes:
- Pepsin
- Peptidase
Broken down into:
- Peptide chains, then amino acids
Use:
- Growth & repair of tissue
What is dietary fibre?
It is a type of complex carbohydrate that cannot be digested by the human body. Its found in foods such as fruits, veggies, wholegrain & cereals. Vital fir the efficient functioning of the digestive system.
How much fibre should an average adult eat per day?
At least 30g
What does fibre help the gut to do?
- ensure smooth & speedy passing of waste
- helps increase the amount of ‘good bacteria’ in the gut
- help to feel fuller for longer
What is the bodies largest internal organ?
The Liver
How does the liver support digestion & absorption of food?
- Bile secretion
- Removal of nutrients from the blood & conversion for storage.
- Detoxify harmful substances in the blood
- Storage of vitamins & minerals
- Removal of bacteria from the bloodstream
What is the role of the pancreas in assisting digestion?
It is responsible for secreting digestive juices into the small intestine, which contain aforementioned enzymes, in order to break down nutrients
