Compendium 3
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Questions and Answers

What are the primary adaptations of the small intestine that increase its surface area for nutrient absorption?

The primary adaptations include extensive villi and microvilli, as well as the folded structure of the intestinal wall.

Explain the role of the liver in digestion.

The liver produces bile, which aids in the emulsification of fats and detoxifies substances absorbed from the digestive tract.

Describe the function of the gallbladder in the digestive process.

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver until it is needed in the small intestine.

What is the significance of the large intestine in nutrient absorption?

<p>The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes, contributing to the formation of solid waste, or feces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do pancreatic enzymes contribute to the digestion of chyme?

<p>Pancreatic enzymes break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in chyme, facilitating nutrient absorption in the small intestine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is chyme and how is it formed in the stomach?

<p>Chyme is a thick liquid formed by the mixing of food with gastric juices in the stomach through churning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure and divisions of the small intestine.

<p>The small intestine consists of three divisions: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, and is about 6 meters long.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the pyloric sphincter play in the movement of chyme?

<p>The pyloric sphincter regulates the passage of chyme from the stomach to the duodenum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the small intestine in digestion?

<p>The small intestine primarily absorbs nutrients and minerals from food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the liver contribute to digestion?

<p>The liver produces bile, which helps emulsify fats for digestion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the gall bladder play in digestion?

<p>The gall bladder stores and concentrates bile until it is needed for fat digestion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the large intestine in the digestive process?

<p>The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key functions of pancreatic enzymes in digestion?

<p>Pancreatic enzymes break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller molecules for absorption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of chyme formation.

<p>Chyme is formed by the mixing of food with gastric juices in the stomach, turning it into a semi-liquid substance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of peristalsis in the digestive system?

<p>Peristalsis moves food through the digestive tract by rhythmic contractions of the smooth muscle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do salivary glands assist in the initial stages of digestion?

<p>Salivary glands produce saliva that moistens food, begins the digestion of carbohydrates, and protects the oral cavity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the gastro-oesophageal sphincter?

<p>The gastro-oesophageal sphincter prevents the backflow of stomach contents into the oesophagus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of the uvula in digestion.

<p>The uvula prevents food and drink from entering the nasopharynx during swallowing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three parts of the small intestine and their primary role?

<p>The three parts of the small intestine are the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, primarily responsible for nutrient absorption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the primary functions of the liver and gallbladder in the digestive system.

<p>The liver produces bile for digestion and detoxification, while the gallbladder stores and concentrates bile until needed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the large intestine contribute to nutrient absorption?

<p>The large intestine primarily absorbs water, electrolytes, and some vitamins, helping to compact waste into feces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What roles do pancreatic enzymes play in digestion?

<p>Pancreatic enzymes break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, facilitating their absorption in the small intestine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the process of chyme formation in the stomach.

<p>Chyme is formed in the stomach when food is churned and mixed with gastric juices, turning solid food into a semi-liquid mixture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the mesentery proper?

<p>The mesentery proper connects the small intestines to the posterior body wall and provides blood supply.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define the mucosa layer of the digestive tract.

<p>The mucosa is the innermost layer of the digestive tract, responsible for secreting mucus and coming into direct contact with food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two muscle layers are found in the muscularis layer of the digestive tract?

<p>The muscularis layer contains circular and longitudinal muscle layers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does mastication facilitate the digestive process?

<p>Mastication, or chewing, breaks food into smaller particles to enhance the surface area for chemical digestion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of elimination in the digestive system.

<p>Elimination involves the removal of waste products from the body, primarily in the form of feces during defecation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are plicae circulares and where are they located?

<p>Plicae circulares are circular folds found in the wall of the small intestine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do villi and microvilli contribute to nutrient absorption in the small intestine?

<p>Villi are finger-like folds that contain capillaries and lacteals, while microvilli are small extensions of epithelial cells that further increase surface area for absorption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the liver play in the digestion of lipids?

<p>The liver produces bile, which helps to emulsify and break down large lipids into smaller ones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of the gall bladder in the digestive process.

<p>The gall bladder stores and concentrates bile, releasing it into the duodenum via the common bile duct.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What components of plasma membranes are modified to form bile salts?

<p>Phospholipids are the components of plasma membranes that are modified to form bile salts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much water typically enters the digestive tract daily, and what percentage is absorbed?

<p>Approximately 9L of water enters the digestive tract daily, and about 99% is absorbed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What substances does the pancreas produce to aid in digestion?

<p>The pancreas produces digestive enzymes like lipase, pancreatic amylase, and trypsin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the large intestine contribute to water absorption?

<p>The large intestine absorbs water and NaCl from the chyme, reabsorbing approximately 90% of its content.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of vitamins mentioned, and why are they essential?

<p>The two types of vitamins are fat-soluble (K, E, D, A) and water-soluble (B, C), and they are essential for normal metabolism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of excessive intake of Vitamin A and Vitamin D?

<p>Excessive Vitamin A can cause birth defects during pregnancy, while too much Vitamin D alters calcium metabolism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is chyme and what is its significance in digestion?

<p>Chyme is the semi-liquid mass of partially digested food that enters the small intestine from the stomach.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of water in the absorption of minerals within the digestive tract?

<p>Water facilitates the active transport of minerals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, across the intestinal wall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of bacteria in the large intestine.

<p>Bacteria in the large intestine synthesize vitamins B and K and help in the fermentation of undigested materials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the defecation reflex and how is it triggered?

<p>The defecation reflex is triggered by rectal distension when the rectum fills with feces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the digestive process throughout the gastrointestinal tract.

<p>Digestion involves mechanical and chemical breakdown of food in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine, followed by absorption in the small and large intestines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the serosa/adventitia layer in the digestive tract?

<p>It provides stability by holding everything in place and connecting organs together.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do peristalsis and segmentation assist in digestion?

<p>Peristalsis moves food forward through coordinated muscle contractions, while segmentation mixes food and aids in nutrient absorption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the differences between the visceral and parietal peritoneum?

<p>The visceral peritoneum covers the organs, while the parietal peritoneum lines the internal surfaces of the body wall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do salivary glands play in the initial stages of digestion?

<p>Salivary glands produce saliva that moistens food, begins digestion of carbohydrates, and protects the oral cavity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the epiglottis during swallowing?

<p>The epiglottis prevents food and drink from entering the trachea during swallowing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the structure of teeth contribute to their function in digestion?

<p>Teeth have different types (incisors, canines, premolars, molars) that are specialized for cutting, tearing, and grinding food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the greater and lesser omentum?

<p>The greater omentum connects the stomach to the transverse colon, while the lesser omentum connects the stomach to the liver and diaphragm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the uvula during the digestive process?

<p>The uvula prevents food and drink from entering the nasopharynx during swallowing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are non-essential amino acids, and how are they utilized in the body?

<p>Non-essential amino acids are synthesized by the body from essential amino acids and are crucial for various functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference between complete and incomplete proteins.

<p>Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids, while incomplete proteins lack one or more of these essential amino acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of bile in lipid digestion?

<p>Bile emulsifies lipids, breaking them down into smaller droplets for easier digestion by lipase.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of triglycerides in the body's energy process.

<p>Triglycerides serve as a major energy source and are stored for later use in adipose tissue and the liver.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes saturated fats from unsaturated fats?

<p>Saturated fats have no double bonds in their carbon chain, leading to a solid state at room temperature, while unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds, making them liquid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is glycogen digested in the human body?

<p>Glycogen is digested by salivary amylase in the oral cavity and by pancreatic amylase in the duodenum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does sucrase play in carbohydrate digestion?

<p>Sucrase digests the disaccharide sucrose in the intestine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how glucose reaches the liver after digestion.

<p>Glucose is absorbed into the blood through villi and microvilli in the intestine and transported to the liver via the hepatic portal vein.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of glucose in the body?

<p>Glucose is primarily used to produce ATP, which provides energy for bodily functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the components that make up proteins.

<p>Proteins are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates amino acids from one another?

<p>The side group of each amino acid is what differentiates them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to excess glucose that the body cannot immediately use?

<p>Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver or muscles, and any remaining excess is converted into fat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are essential amino acids important?

<p>Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between carbohydrates and nucleic acids.

<p>Carbohydrates, particularly sugars, are integral components of DNA, RNA, ATP, glycoproteins, and glycolipids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are amino acids linked together to form proteins?

<p>Amino acids link together through peptide bonds to form peptides, polypeptides, and ultimately proteins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the pharyngeal phase of swallowing?

<p>The swallowing reflex is initiated when the bolus touches receptors in the oropharynx.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the stomach in digestion?

<p>The stomach serves as the holding point for food and churns it into chyme.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the stomach protect its lining from acidic damage?

<p>The stomach contains a thick mucus layer that shields the epithelial cells from acid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the pyloric sphincter in digestion?

<p>The pyloric sphincter regulates the passage of chyme from the stomach to the duodenum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature increases the absorptive surface area of the small intestine?

<p>The small intestine has extensive villi and microvilli that increase its surface area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What digestive process occurs primarily in the jejunum?

<p>The jejunum is primarily responsible for the absorption of nutrients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the rugae in the stomach?

<p>Rugae are folds in the stomach wall that allow it to stretch after eating.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of muscle contractions help move the bolus through the esophagus?

<p>Peristaltic contractions are responsible for moving the bolus down the esophagus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the duodenum and the pancreas?

<p>The duodenum curves around the pancreas and mixes chyme with digestive enzymes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are enzymes and what is their primary function in the body?

<p>Enzymes are protein catalysts that increase the rate of chemical reactions without being permanently changed. Their primary function is to facilitate various biochemical reactions by binding to specific substrates at their active sites.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the six classes of nutrients and provide one example for each.

<p>The six classes of nutrients are carbohydrates (e.g., sugars), proteins (e.g., amino acids), lipids (e.g., triglycerides), vitamins (e.g., vitamin C), minerals (e.g., calcium), and water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes essential nutrients from non-essential nutrients?

<p>Essential nutrients are those that must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize them. In contrast, non-essential nutrients can be produced by the body itself.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids differ in their organic nature?

<p>Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are classified as organic macronutrients because they all contain carbon. Carbohydrates consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; proteins are made of amino acids containing carbon; and lipids are largely composed of carbon and hydrogen chains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

<p>Monosaccharides are single sugar units (e.g., glucose), disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharides (e.g., sucrose), and polysaccharides consist of long chains of monosaccharides (e.g., glycogen).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of glycogen in the human body?

<p>Glycogen serves as a stored form of glucose in humans, primarily found in the liver and muscles. It provides a readily available source of energy when the body requires it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is dietary fiber, and why is it important for digestive health?

<p>Dietary fiber, primarily from cellulose found in plants, is important because it aids in gastrointestinal health by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily percentage of kilocalories for carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins?

<p>Carbohydrates should comprise 45-65% of daily kilocalories, lipids should be 20-35%, and proteins should constitute 10-35% of total daily kilocalories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two key differences between the way humans process starch versus cellulose?

<p>Humans can digest and break down starch for energy, whereas cellulose cannot be digested and serves as dietary fiber. This difference highlights the role of different carbohydrates in human nutrition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are vitamins and minerals typically taken into the body compared to macronutrients?

<p>Vitamins and minerals are taken into the body without digestion, while macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids require digestion to be absorbed. This distinction is crucial for understanding nutrient absorption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Digestion

  • The digestive tract, also called alimentary tract, is a continuous tube from mouth to anus.
  • Accessory organs, mainly glands, secrete fluids into the tract.
  • The greater omentum connects stomach to the large intestine
  • The mesentery proper connects the small intestines to the posterior body wall.
  • The digestive system performs key functions:
    • Ingestion: Introduction of food into the stomach, usually via the mouth.
    • Mastication: Chewing, a mechanical process that facilitates chemical digestion by increasing surface area.
    • Secretion: Lubrication, liquefying, and digesting food. Mucus is secreted throughout the digestive tract, lubricates food, and coats/protects the lining.
    • Digestion: Mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into nutrients for body use.
    • Absorption: Movement of nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.
    • Elimination: Waste products are removed from the body as feces via defecation.
    • The digestive system produces and releases hormones, and it has a crucial microbiome.

Histology of the Digestive Tract

  • The wall of the digestive tract consists of four layers:
    • Mucosa: Innermost layer, secretes mucus, directly interacts with food or chyme (epithelial, avascular).
    • Submucosa: Connective tissue layer, contains blood vessels, nerves, etc.
    • Muscularis: Two or three muscle layers responsible for movement and secretion (circular and longitudinal layers, involuntary control).
    • Serosa/Adventitia: Outermost layer, connective tissue, provides stability and connection for organs.

Small Intestine

  • The small intestine is 6 meters long with a small diameter, highly folded to fit in the body.
  • It has a large surface area for efficient nutrient absorption.
  • It's connected to the posterior body wall by mesenteries.
  • The small intestine is divided into three sections:
    • Duodenum: First 25 cm beyond the pyloric sphincter, curves around the pancreas, where chyme mixes with digestive enzymes. Brunner's glands (under the epithelium) secrete mucus to neutralize acidic chyme. Found in the epigastric and umbilical regions.
    • Jejunum: 2.5 meters long, responsible for a large amount of nutrient absorption, contains extensive villi. Located in the left lumbar and umbilical regions.
    • Ileum: 3.5 meters long, ends at the ileocecal junction. Located in the hypogastric region.
  • Adaptations like plicae circulars, villi, and microvilli increase the small intestine's surface area for efficient absorption (600-fold).

Peristalsis & Segmentation

  • Peristalsis is the process by which food moves through the gut via waves of smooth muscle relaxation and contraction.
  • It's a wave of alternating muscle relaxation and contraction that pushes food forward.

Peritoneum

  • The walls and organs of the abdominal cavity are lined with serous membranes:
    • Visceral peritoneum: Covers organs.
    • Parietal peritoneum: Covers the internal surface of the body wall.
  • Mesentries are double folds of peritoneum (epithelial tissue) that connect organs to each other and the small intestines to the back of the body wall, providing vascular pathways.
  • Greater omentum connects stomach to the transverse colon.
  • Lesser omentum connects the stomach to the liver and diaphragm.

Oral Cavity

  • Digestion begins in the oral cavity.
  • The hard palate is bony and located anteriorly.
  • The soft palate is muscular and located posteriorly.
  • The tongue, a muscular organ, plays a role in chewing, swallowing, and moving food around the mouth. It also contains taste buds.
  • Teeth are essential for mechanical digestion and turning food into a bolus.

Teeth

  • There are two sets of teeth:
    • Primary (milk teeth): Found in childhood and lost from 5-10 years old.
    • Permanent or secondary: Adult teeth (32).
  • Teeth are categorized into four types:
    • Incisors (8): Used for cutting.
    • Canines (4): Used for tearing.
    • Premolars (8): Used for grinding.
    • Molars (12): Used for grinding.

Salivary Glands

  • Salivary glands produce and secrete saliva into the oral cavity.
  • Saliva protects the oral cavity, moistens, loosens, and digests food.
  • Amylase, an enzyme found in saliva, breaks down carbohydrates into smaller sugars.
  • Lysozyme, an antibacterial enzyme present in saliva, plays a role in immune defense.

Pharynx & Esophagus

  • The pharynx connects the oral cavity to the esophagus.
  • The uvula (soft palate) prevents food and drink from entering the nasopharynx.
  • The pharynx is divided into three sections:
    • Nasopharynx: Located behind the nose.
    • Oropharynx: Located behind the oral cavity.
    • Laryngopharynx: Located around the larynx.
  • The esophagus, a 25 cm long tube, connects the pharynx to the stomach, located posteriorly to the trachea.
  • The epiglottis prevents food and drink from entering the trachea.
  • The gastro-esophageal sphincter controls the passage of food from the esophagus to the stomach.

Swallowing

  • Swallowing occurs in three phases:
    • Voluntary phase: The tongue pushes the bolus (ball of food) to the back of the oral cavity.
    • Pharyngeal phase: The soft palate (uvula) closes off the nasopharynx. The bolus touches receptors in the oropharynx, triggering the swallowing reflex that moves the bolus down the pharynx into the esophagus. The epiglottis covers the trachea.
    • Esophageal phase: Peristalsis moves the bolus down the esophagus towards the stomach.

Stomach

  • It’s located in the abdomen and serves as a holding point for food.
  • Food from the esophagus is mixed and churned in the stomach to form chyme (a thick liquid).
  • The stomach produces mucus, hydrochloric acid, and protein-digesting enzymes (pepsin) to aid in food breakdown.
  • A thick mucus layer protects the stomach wall's epithelial cells from the acidic pH (2-3) environment.
  • The stomach has openings or sphincters:
    • Gastroesophageal: Connects to the esophagus.
    • Pyloric: Connects to the duodenum.
  • The stomach has distinct parts:
    • Cardiac: Closest to the esophagus.
    • Fundus: Sits superiorly.
    • Body: The main part of the stomach.
    • Pyloric: Antrum and canal.
  • Layers of the stomach wall:
    • Visceral peritoneum or serosa: Outermost layer.
    • Muscularis: Contains three layers: outer longitudinal, middle circular, and inner oblique, responsible for churning.
    • Submucosa: Connective tissue layer under the epithelium, rich in blood supply.
    • Mucosa: Simple columnar epithelium.
    • Rugae: Folds in the stomach wall that allow the stomach to stretch after eating and increase surface area, able to hold up to 2L of contents.

Stomach Movements

  • The three muscle layers enable the churning of food to form chyme.
  • The stomach uses a combination of mixing waves (80%) and peristaltic waves (20%).
  • Both the esophageal and pyloric sphincters are closed during churning.
  • Water takes about 1-2 hours to exit the stomach via the kidneys and urethra after ingestion.
  • The stomach empties every 4 hours (6-8 hours after a fatty meal, quicker with a spicy meal).

Liver & Gallbladder

  • The liver produces 100 ml of bile per day.
  • Bile aids in the emulsification of lipids, breaking down large lipids into smaller ones.
  • The liver filters nutrient-rich blood coming from the small intestines.
  • It stores glucose as glycogen and can store lipids for energy.
  • It detoxifies toxins and drugs.
  • The gallbladder is a muscular sac that stores and concentrates bile.
  • Bile enters the duodenum via the common bile duct and emulsifies fats/lipids.

Pancreas

  • Produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin and glucagon for blood sugar homeostasis.
  • It has an exocrine function, meaning it secretes substances via a duct system.
  • The pancreas produces key enzymes:
    • Lipase: Breaks down lipids.
    • Pancreatic amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates.
    • Trypsin: Breaks down proteins.

Large Intestine

  • Upon reaching the large intestine, most nutrients have been absorbed from the chyme.
  • The large intestine primarily absorbs water and NaCl (sodium chloride).
  • It extends from the ileocecal junction to the anus.
  • It consists of the cecum, colon (ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid), rectum, and anal canal.
  • Microbes in the large intestine synthesize vitamins B and K.
  • The transit time for chyme is 18-24 hours, converting it into feces.
  • 1500 ml of chyme enters the cecum, with 90% reabsorbed, resulting in 80-150 ml of feces.
  • The defecation reflex is triggered by rectal distension (accumulation of feces in the rectum).
  • Goblet cells in the large intestine secrete mucus for smooth passage of feces through the intestine and out the anal canal.

Digestive Process

  • Digestion: Food molecules are broken down in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine for absorption into the bloodstream. Mechanical digestion breaks down food into smaller particles, while chemical digestion breaks covalent bonds using digestive enzymes.
  • Absorption: Nutrients are absorbed from the small intestine, and water is absorbed from the large intestine.
  • Components of the digestive system:
    • Plasma membranes: Modified to form bile salts.
    • Phospholipids: Major components of plasma membranes, the myelin sheath, and bile.
    • Eicosanoids: Derived from fatty acids and involved in inflammation, blood clotting, tissue repair, and smooth muscle contraction.

Water Absorption

  • Approximately 9L of water enters the digestive tract each day, including secretions from the digestive tract.
  • Nearly 99% of the ingested water is absorbed.
  • Water can move across the intestinal wall in either direction if needed.
  • Ions (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate) are actively transported in water.

Vitamins

  • Organic molecules (containing carbon) present in small quantities in food.
  • They are essential for normal metabolism but cannot be produced by the body.
  • No single food source provides all essential vitamins. Some are produced by intestinal bacteria, like vitamin K.
  • Vitamins are classified as either fat-soluble (K, E, D, A) or water-soluble (B + C).
  • Excess vitamin intake can lead to various health problems:
    • Vitamin C: Stomach inflammation and diarrhea.
    • Vitamin A: Toxicity during pregnancy, leading to birth defects.
    • Vitamin D: Alters calcium metabolism.
  • Vitamin deficiencies can result in health problems like rickets (vitamin D), scurvy (vitamin C), and beriberi (vitamin B, thiamine).

Minerals

  • Inorganic nutrients (lacking carbon).
  • Major minerals are required in quantities exceeding 100 mg per day, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
  • Trace minerals are needed in smaller quantities, including iron, zinc, copper, and iodine.
  • Deficiency or excess in specific minerals can lead to various health problems.

Serosa/Adventitia

  • Outermost layer of connective tissue
  • Provides stability and holds organs in place
  • Connects organs to surrounding structures

Peristalsis and Segmentation

  • Process of moving food through the digestive tract
  • Waves of smooth muscle relaxation and contraction propel food forward

Peritoneum

  • Serous membranes lining the abdominal cavity walls and organs
  • Visceral peritoneum: covers organs
  • Parietal peritoneum: covers the internal surface of the body wall
  • Mesenteries: double folds of peritoneum connecting organs and the small intestines to the posterior body wall.
  • Allow passage of vessels and nerves between the body wall and organs
  • Greater omentum: connects the stomach to the transverse colon
  • Lesser omentum: connects the stomach to the liver and diaphragm

Oral Cavity

  • Where digestion begins
  • Hard palate: anterior, hard bone
  • Soft palate: posterior, soft muscle
  • Tongue: muscular, involved in chewing, swallowing, and moving food around the mouth, contains taste buds
  • Teeth: crucial for mechanical digestion
  • Mastication: process of chewing food into a bolus

Teeth

  • Two sets of teeth:
    • Primary (milk teeth): present during childhood, lost between 5-10 years old
    • Permanent (secondary): adult teeth (32)
  • Types of teeth:
    • Incisors (8): cutting
    • Canines (4): tearing
    • Premolars (8): grinding
    • Molars (12): grinding

Salivary Glands

  • Produce and secrete saliva into the oral cavity
  • Saliva:
    • Protects the oral cavity
    • Moistens, loosens, and digests food
    • Contains amylase (breaks down carbohydrates into smaller sugars) and lysozyme (antibacterial enzyme)

Pharynx and Oesophagus

  • Pharynx: connects the oral cavity to the oesophagus
  • Uvula (soft palate): prevents food and drink from entering the nasopharynx
  • Nasopharynx: part behind the nose
  • Oropharynx: part behind the oral cavity
  • Laryngopharynx: part around the larynx
  • Oesophagus: tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach (25cm long), lies posteriorly to the trachea
  • Epiglottis: prevents food and drink from entering the trachea
  • Gastro-oesophageal sphincter: controls the flow of food from the oesophagus to the stomach

Swallowing (Deglutition)

  • Voluntary phase: tongue pushes the bolus towards the pharynx
  • Pharyngeal phase: soft palate closes off the nasopharynx, swallowing reflex moves the bolus down the pharynx and into the oesophagus, epiglottis covers the trachea
  • Oesophageal phase: bolus is moved down the oesophagus by peristalsis

Stomach

  • Located in the abdomen
  • Holds and mixes food
  • Turns food into chyme (thick liquid)
  • Produces mucus, hydrochloric acid, and protein-digesting enzymes (pepsin)
  • Contains a thick mucus layer that protects the stomach wall from the acidic environment (pH 2-3)
  • Openings/sphincters:
    • Gastroesophageal sphincter: to oesophagus
    • Pyloric sphincter: to duodenum
  • Parts:
    • Cardiac: closest to the oesophagus
    • Fundus: sits superiorly
    • Body: main part
    • Pyloric: antrum and canal
  • Layers:
    • Visceral peritoneum (serosa)
    • Muscularis: 3 layers
      • Outer longitudinal
      • Middle circular
      • Inner oblique
    • Submucosa: connective tissue rich in blood supply
    • Mucosa: simple columnar epithelium
    • Rugae: folds in the stomach wall that allow stretching and increase surface area

Movements of the Stomach

  • 3 muscle layers enable the churning of food into chyme
  • Combination of mixing waves (80%) and peristaltic waves (20%)
  • Both oesophageal and pyloric sphincters are closed during mixing
  • Stomach empties every 4 hours (6-8 after fatty meals, quicker with spicy meals)

Small Intestine

  • 6 meters long with a small diameter, highly folded to fit in the body
  • Large surface area for efficient nutrient absorption
  • Connected to the posterior body wall by mesenteries
  • Divisions:
    • Duodenum: first 25 cm beyond the pyloric sphincter, chyme mixes with digestive enzymes, mucus from Brunner's glands neutralizes acidic chyme, located in the epigastric and umbilical regions
    • Jejunum: 2.5 meters long, significant nutrient absorption, extensive villi, located in the left lumbar and umbilical regions
    • Ileum: 3.5 meters long, ends at the ileocecal junction, located in the hypogastric region
  • Adaptations like villi and microvilli increase the surface area for absorption
  • Nutrients are moved out of the digestive tract into circulation via the liver

Enzymes

  • Protein catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being permanently changed
  • Highly specific: each enzyme binds to a specific reactant
  • Required for various chemical reactions in the body
  • Often named by adding 'ASE' to their reactant (e.g., lipase, protease)

Nutrients

  • Chemicals taken into the body to:
    • Produce energy
    • Provide building blocks for other molecules
  • 6 classes:
    • Carbohydrates: mono/di/polysaccharides (sugars), from plants and vegetables
    • Proteins: chains of amino acids, from meat, fish, poultry, beans, legumes, and leafy green vegetables
    • Lipids: triglycerides, from oils, dairy, fats, and eggs
    • Vitamins: organic molecules, from animal and plant products
    • Minerals: inorganic nutrients, from animal and plant products
    • Water
  • Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are major organic macronutrients (organic = contains carbon)
  • Essential nutrients: chemicals that must be obtained through the diet because the body cannot make them
    • Includes some amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, water, and most vitamins and minerals
  • Raw foods tend to have higher amounts of vitamins and minerals
  • Carbohydrates: 45-65% of daily kilocalories
  • Lipids: 20-35% or less of daily kilocalories
  • Proteins: 10-35% of total daily kilocalories

Carbohydrates

  • From plants (except for lactose from milk)
  • Contain carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O) (CHO)
  • 2H:1O ratio
  • Large molecules made up of smaller building blocks:
    • Monosaccharides: glucose, fructose, galactose
    • Disaccharides: sucrose, lactose, maltose
    • Polysaccharides: glycogen (animal), starch and cellulose (plant)

Mono and Disaccharides

  • Monosaccharides: glucose, fructose, galactose
  • Disaccharides: sucrose (glucose + fructose), lactose (glucose + galactose), maltose (glucose + glucose)

Polysaccharides

  • Long chains of monosaccharides (3000+)
  • Glycogen: animal polysaccharide, glucose molecules, stored in the liver and muscles, used for energy
  • Starch and cellulose: plant polysaccharides, starch is broken down for energy, humans can't break down cellulose (dietary fibre)

Carbohydrate Absorption

  • Polysaccharide chain (glycogen) is digested by salivary amylase and pancreatic amylase
  • Disaccharide chains (sucrose) are digested by sucrase
  • Monosaccharides (glucose) are absorbed into the blood via villi and microvilli in the intestine, transported to the liver via the hepatic portal vein

Uses of Carbohydrates in the Body

  • Glucose is used to produce ATP (energy)
  • Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver or muscles
  • Excess beyond storage is turned into fat
  • Sugars contribute to DNA, RNA, ATP, glycoproteins, and glycolipids

Proteins

  • Contain carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), and sometimes sulfur (S)
  • From meat, nuts, eggs, dairy, legumes, and green leafy vegetables
  • Building blocks are amino acids
  • Each amino acid has an amine group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen, and a side group
  • Side groups differentiate amino acids
  • Amino acids link to form peptides, polypeptides, and proteins
  • Amino acids are not stored in the body
  • Essential amino acids: cannot be produced by the body, must be obtained through the diet
  • Non-essential amino acids: can be synthesized by the body
  • Functions of proteins:
    • Globular proteins (hemoglobin)
    • Structural proteins (muscle proteins, connective tissue)
    • Cell membrane transport
    • Enzymes
    • Antibodies
    • Hormones
  • Complete protein: sources that contain all 9 essential amino acids
  • Incomplete protein: sources that lack one or more essential amino acids

Protein Absorption

  • Protein is digested by pepsin in the stomach
  • Polypeptides are digested by trypsin in the duodenum
  • Peptides are broken down into individual amino acids, absorbed into the blood via villi and microvilli in the intestine

Lipids

  • Composed mostly of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes nitrogen and phosphorus
  • Lower O to C ratio than carbohydrates, making them relatively insoluble in water
  • Broken down to release energy
  • Triglycerides: make up 95% of fats in the body, glycerol + 3 fatty acids
    • Fatty acids: different lengths, saturation levels
      • Saturated fatty acids: animal fats (e.g., butter, cheese, beef, pork)
      • Unsaturated fatty acids: plant sources, contain double bonds in the carbon chain, more relaxed structure
      • Trans fats: artificially altered unsaturated fats, increase cardiovascular disease risk

Lipid Absorption

  • Lipid digestion begins in the duodenum
  • Bile from the gallbladder emulsifies lipids
  • Lipase from the pancreas further breaks down lipids in the duodenum
  • Short-chain fatty acids (monoglycerides) are absorbed into the lymphatic system via lacteals in the villi

Uses of Lipids in the Body

  • Triglycerides: used as ATP (excess stored in adipose tissue or liver)
  • Cholesterol: found in liver and egg yolk, manufactured by the body

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Explore the key functions and components of the digestive system in this quiz. Learn about the digestive tract, accessory organs, and the processes involved in digestion, absorption, and elimination of waste. This is an essential overview for understanding human anatomy and physiology.

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