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Questions and Answers
Which process in the digestive system involves breaking down food into smaller molecules?
What is the main role of motility in the digestive system?
Which of the following substances can be absorbed without undergoing chemical digestion?
What type of reaction do digestive enzymes primarily facilitate during digestion?
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In which process do the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract take in nutrients?
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Study Notes
Digestive Processes
- The digestive system is responsible for six fundamental processes: ingestion, secretion, mixing and propulsion, digestion, absorption, and defecation.
Ingestion
- The initial process of food and liquid intake through the mouth.
Secretion
- The digestive system and accessory organs (pancreas, liver, gallbladder) release approximately 7 liters of water, acids, buffers, and enzymes daily into the lumen of the digestive tract.
Mixing and Propulsion
- The rhythmic contractions and relaxations of smooth muscles within the GI tract walls mix food and secretions, propelling them towards the anus.
- This process is referred to as motility.
Digestion
- Mechanical and chemical breakdown of ingested food into smaller molecules.
- Mechanical digestion involves chewing with teeth and churning in the stomach and small intestine.
- Chemical digestion includes hydrolysis, where enzymes break down carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids into smaller molecules.
- Digestive enzymes from the salivary glands, tongue, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine catalyze these reactions.
Absorption
- The process where digested nutrients, fluids, ions, and secreted substances enter epithelial cells lining the GI tract lumen.
- These absorbed substances then move into the bloodstream or lymphatic system for transport to the body's cells.
Defecation
- The elimination of undigested food, waste products, bacteria, sloughed cells, and unabsorbed materials from the digestive tract through the anus.
- The eliminated material is called feces.
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Description
Explore the vital functions of the digestive system, including ingestion, secretion, mixing and propulsion, digestion, absorption, and defecation. This quiz covers the mechanics and processes involved in how food is broken down and utilized by the body.
