25 Questions
What is the main purpose of digestion?
To break down food into particles small enough to cross the cellular barrier of the GI system
What occurs during the process of digestion?
Food is broken down into particles small enough to cross the cellular barrier
Where does the broken-down food from digestion ultimately go?
The circulation to be carried around the body
What is the term for the process of taking in and utilizing nutrients from food?
Absorption
What is GI primarily responsible for?
Breaking down food into small particles for cellular absorption
What is the result of ineffective digestion?
Food particles are too large to be absorbed
What is the purpose of breaking down food into small particles?
To increase the surface area for enzyme action
What happens to the broken-down food particles after GI?
They are absorbed into the bloodstream
What is the ultimate destination of the absorbed nutrients after GI?
The bloodstream for distribution throughout the body
What is the significance of GI in the overall digestive process?
It facilitates the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream
Where does a small amount of absorption take place?
Mouth
What is the role of protease and pepsin enzymes in the digestion of proteins?
To break down proteins into amino acids
What percentage of absorption is thought to occur in the mouth?
10%
Where does most of the absorption occur?
Small intestine
Where does the digestion of proteins take place?
Stomach
What is involved in the absorption process in the stomach and small intestine?
Microorganisms and enzymes
What is the end product of protein digestion?
Amino acids
What type of enzymes are protease and pepsin?
Proteolytic
What is the role of microorganisms in the digestive system?
Assisting in absorption
What is the location of the enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids?
Stomach lining
What is the primary function of lipase in the pancreas?
To break down fats into small fatty acid molecules
What is the approximate amount of water absorbed by the GI tract daily?
9L
What is the primary function of the GI tract in relation to water and minerals?
To absorb water and minerals from the diet
What is the approximate amount of water present in feces?
100-200 mL
What is the result of the action of lipase on fats?
The formation of small fatty acid molecules and glycerol
Study Notes
Digestion and Absorption
- A small amount of absorption is thought to take place in the mouth
- 10% of absorption occurs in the stomach and small intestine with the help of microorganisms
Steps of Digestion and Absorption
- Digestion is the breakdown of food into particles small enough to cross the cellular barrier of the gastrointestinal (GI) system and be carried around the body in the circulation
- Digestion occurs through:
- Breakdown of proteins in the stomach with the help of protease and pepsin enzymes into amino acids
- Breakdown of fats into small particles of fatty acids and glycerol by pancreatic lipase in the small intestine
- Absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine
Water and Minerals
- The GI tract absorbs around 9L of water per day
- Only 100-200 mL of water is present in feces
Learn about the digestion and absorption of food in the human body, including the roles of the mouth, stomach, and small intestine. Understand the breakdown of food into particles and how they are absorbed into the circulation.
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