Animal Nutrition Worksheet

Human Alimentary Canal Diagram

• Diagram shows the human alimentary canal and associated organs.
• Key organs involved in digestion include the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.

Enzymes and Their Functions

• Enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down food substances.
• Amylase is secreted by the salivary glands to break down starch into maltose.
• Lipase, produced by the pancreas, helps digest fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
• Pepsin, secreted by the stomach, digests proteins into amino acids.
• Maltase, located in the small intestinal lining, converts maltose into glucose.

Role of Hydrochloric Acid

• Hydrochloric acid aids digestion by providing an acidic environment for pepsin activation.
• It helps kill pathogens ingested with food and assists in the absorption of vital nutrients.

Additional Digestive Substances

• Besides enzymes, other substances important for digestion include bile and mucus.
• Bile, produced in the liver, emulsifies fats for better enzyme action.

Importance of Lactase in Infants

• Lactase is essential for breaking down lactose in milk, providing necessary nutrients for young babies.
• It supports healthy growth and development by facilitating the absorption of milk sugars.

Symptoms of Diarrhoea

• Diarrhoea symptoms can include frequent, watery stools, abdominal cramps, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
• In adults, lack of lactase can lead to discomfort and digestive issues after consuming milk.

Role of Protease Enzymes

• Protease enzymes (A and B) break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids.
• They function optimally in different pH levels within the alimentary canal, contributing to effective protein digestion.

Location of Maltase

• Maltase is found in the lining of the small intestine, where it acts on maltose.

Bile in Digestion

• Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder, facilitating fat digestion when released into the small intestine.