Digestion Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of mechanical digestion?

To catalyze chemical reactions

To increase the surface area-to-volume ratio of food (correct)

To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream

To neutralize gastric acid

What role do the salivary glands play in digestion?

They secrete saliva that contains digestive enzymes (correct)

They break down fats

They absorb water from food

They initiate protein digestion

Which enzyme in saliva is specifically responsible for digesting starch?

Lipase

Salivary amylase (correct)

Mucin

Pepsin

What mechanism moves the bolus down the oesophagus?

Peristalsis Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimum pH for salivary amylase activity?

pH 7 Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the entry of a bolus have on gastric glands?

Stimulates them to release gastric juice Signup and view all the answers

How does chewing contribute to digestion?

It breaks food into smaller particles Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of gastric juice?

To provide an acidic environment for protein digestion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of emulsification in digestion?

To increase the surface area-to-volume ratio of fats Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down fats into fatty acids and glycerol?

Pancreatic lipase Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the digestive system is bile produced?

Liver Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is NOT a product of fat digestion?

Starch Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of amylase in digestion?

Breaks down starch into maltose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the action of protease enzymes?

Converts proteins into polypeptides Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary end product of starch digestion?

Maltose Signup and view all the answers

What structure in the small intestine is essential for nutrient absorption?

Villus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of capillaries in the small intestine?

Carrying away absorbed nutrients to maintain the concentration gradient. Signup and view all the answers

How do glucose and amino acids primarily enter the bloodstream from the small intestine?

By active transport mechanisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of lacteals in the small intestine?

Transporting fats to the body. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to undigested and unabsorbed matter in the intestines?

It is temporarily stored in the rectum and discharged as faeces. Signup and view all the answers

Which blood vessel transports absorbed nutrients from the small intestine to the liver?

Hepatic portal vein Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is primarily converted to glycogen in the liver?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

What process is referred to as egestion?

The discharge of faeces from the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is formed when glycerol and fatty acids combine in the small intestine?

Minute fat globules. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the teeth in the buccal cavity?

To physically break food into smaller pieces Signup and view all the answers

Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?

Epiglottis Signup and view all the answers

Which organ temporarily stores bile?

Gall Bladder Signup and view all the answers

What role does the pancreas play in digestion?

It secretes pancreatic juice to digest food Signup and view all the answers

What does the buccal cavity connect to?

Pharynx and oesophagus Signup and view all the answers

During breathing, which direction does the larynx move?

Downwards Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the salivary glands?

Producing bile Signup and view all the answers

What connects the pharynx to the trachea?

Trachea Signup and view all the answers

What happens to fats after they are absorbed by the small intestine?

They are transported through lacteals to the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

Under normal conditions with sufficient glucose, what is the primary use of fats in the body?

They are utilized for building cell membranes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about adipose tissues is true?

They act as shock absorbers for internal organs. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a function of the liver?

Storage of fats in muscle tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs with excess amino acids in the liver?

They undergo deamination to form urea. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to glucose formed from deaminated amino acids in the liver?

It is converted into glycogen. Signup and view all the answers

In what condition are fats primarily broken down for energy?

During fasting or low glucose availability. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to fats once they enter the bloodstream from the lymphatic system?

They are transported to various parts of the body including the liver. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mechanical Digestion's Primary Purpose

To physically break down food into smaller pieces, increasing surface area for enzyme action.

Salivary Glands and Digestion

Secrete saliva, containing enzymes and mucus, initiating carbohydrate digestion.

Salivary Amylase

Enzyme in saliva that breaks down starch into simpler sugars.

Bolus Movement in the Oesophagus

Peristalsis, wave-like muscle contractions, propels the bolus (food mass) downwards.

Optimum pH for Salivary Amylase

Slightly alkaline, around pH 7.

Bolus and Gastric Glands

Bolus entry stimulates gastric glands to secrete gastric juice.

Chewing's Role in Digestion

Increases surface area of food, facilitating enzyme action and swallowing.

Gastric Juice's Main Function

Contains hydrochloric acid and pepsin, breaking down proteins.

Emulsification's Primary Function

Breaks down large fat globules into smaller droplets, increasing surface area for lipase action.

Fat-Digesting Enzyme

Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Bile Production Site

Liver.

Non-Product of Fat Digestion

Starch.

Amylase's Role

Breaks down carbohydrates (starch) into simpler sugars.

Protease Enzyme Action

Breaks down proteins into amino acids.

Starch Digestion's End Product

Glucose.

Nutrient Absorption Structure

Villi and microvilli in the small intestine greatly increase surface area.

Small Intestine Capillaries' Role

Absorb glucose and amino acids into the bloodstream.

Glucose/Amino Acid Blood Entry

Active transport and facilitated diffusion.

Lacteals' Function

Absorb fats (fatty acids and glycerol) into the lymphatic system.

Fate of Undigested Matter

Excreted from the body.

Nutrient Transport Vessel

Hepatic portal vein carries absorbed nutrients to the liver.

Glycogen Conversion Nutrient

Glucose.

Egestion Definition

Elimination of undigested waste.

Glycerol/Fatty Acid Combination Product

Triglycerides (fats).

Teeth's Function in the Buccal Cavity

Mechanical breakdown of food.

Food-Trachea Prevention Structure

Epiglottis covers the trachea during swallowing.

Bile Storage Organ

Gallbladder.

Pancreas' Role in Digestion

Secretes digestive enzymes (e.g., amylase, lipase, protease) and bicarbonate.

Buccal Cavity Connection

Pharynx (throat).

Larynx Movement During Breathing

Moves upwards.

Non-Salivary Gland Function

Protein synthesis (this is a liver function).

Pharynx-Trachea Connector

Epiglottis.

Post-Absorption Fat Fate

Transported via the lymphatic system to the bloodstream.

Primary Fat Use with Sufficient Glucose

Energy storage.

Adipose Tissue Fact

Stores energy as triglycerides.

Non-Liver Function

Production of digestive enzymes (primarily the pancreas).

Excess Amino Acid Fate

Deaminated, converted to glucose or stored as fat.

Glucose Source from Deaminated Amino Acids

Liver.

Fat Breakdown Condition

Starvation or prolonged periods without sufficient carbohydrate intake.

Blood Entry for Fats

From the lymphatic system, eventually joining the bloodstream.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the digestion process, including the breakdown of nutrients and the roles of different organs such as the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Understand both physical and chemical digestion and how they contribute to nutrient absorption.