Digestion Overview and Processes

What is the process of transforming food into basic nutrients that can be absorbed and used by the body called?

What process begins in the mouth with chewing?

What is the involuntary muscle contractions that move food mixtures along the GI tract called?

What are proteins that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions called?

What is the long hollow tube consisting of several layers of tissue that begins with the mouth and ends at the anus called?

Which of the following is the inner-most layer of the GI tract, made of absorption cells and glands?

Which of the following processes does NOT require energy to move substances in or out of the cell? (Select all that apply)

Which section of the small intestine is wider than the remainder of the small intestine?

Which of the following is NOT part of the GI tract, but aids in digestion? (Select all that apply)

What is the watery fluid containing a lubricant (mucus) and enzymes that prepares food for the next step in the GI tract?

What enzyme breaks down starches in the mouth?

What is the circular muscle located at the end of the esophagus called?

What substance results when food particles are mixed with stomach acids and enzymes?

What hormone controls the concentration of acid in the stomach?

What is the glycoprotein produced in the stomach that is essential for vitamin B-12 absorption?

What is the final section of the small intestine that connects to the large intestine?

What small finger-like projections in the folds of the small intestine help trap food and are necessary for digestion and absorption?

What organ secretes bile, which is then stored in the gallbladder?

What organ releases pancreatic juice, a mixture of water, bicarbonate, and enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats?

What connects the small intestine to the large intestine and prevents the contents of the large intestine from reentering the small intestine?

What are the four sections of the large intestine?

What are the two types of beneficial bacteria that are important to our health?

What are foods that contain good bacteria called?

What are substances that stimulate bacterial growth in the large intestine called?

What occurs when stomach acid comes up the esophagus, causing a burning sensation?

What condition occurs if heartburn is experienced multiple times in a week?

What condition is characterized by hard, dry, and infrequent stools, often the result of slow movement through the large intestine?

What condition is characterized by loose, watery, and frequent stools, often caused by infection or disease?

What condition develops as we age and involves small pouches pushing out through weak spots in the colon?

What condition includes bloating, abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, and/or constipation, often associated with gas-producing foods, milk products, alcohol, caffeine, and fat?

What are sores that can occur in the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine, often caused by bacteria or certain medications?

What is the most common source of carbohydrates for daily sustenance?

What is the storage form of glucose, stored in the muscle or liver to help maintain blood glucose levels?

What simple sugar is the sweetest tasting sugar and is found in fruits?

What simple sugar is the primary sugar in milk?

What disaccharide is commonly known as the milk sugar?

What enzyme breaks down starch into disaccharides in the mouth?

What enzyme released by the pancreas further breaks down polysaccharides into mono and disaccharides?

What enzyme digests maltose, yielding two glucose units?

What enzyme digests sucrose, producing glucose and fructose?

What enzyme digests lactose, yielding glucose and galactose?

What is the inability to completely digest the milk sugar lactose called?

What are the two types of enzymes important for the digestion of carbohydrates?