Food Processing and Digestion Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the tongue during swallowing?

To produce saliva to aid digestion

To taste the food before it is swallowed

To manipulate food and shape it into a bolus (correct)

To push air into the trachea

What role does the esophagus play in digestion?

It absorbs nutrients from digested food

It helps mix food with saliva during chewing

It connects the throat to the stomach and transports food (correct)

It secretes gastric juices into the stomach

How does hydrochloric acid (HCl) contribute to digestion in the stomach?

It emulsifies fats for better absorption

It disrupts the matrix binding cells together in food (correct)

It neutralizes harmful bacteria and pathogens

It breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars

What is chyme?

The liquid suspension of food processed in the stomach Signup and view all the answers

Why is pepsin's activation important in the stomach?

It breaks down proteins into smaller polypeptides Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism primarily pushes food through the esophagus?

Peristalsis, which involves muscle contractions Signup and view all the answers

What causes the stomach to stretch and accommodate food?

Accordion-like folds and an elastic wall Signup and view all the answers

Which cells in the gastric glands produce hydrochloric acid?

Parietal cells Signup and view all the answers

What protects the cells of the gastric glands from being digested by gastric juice?

The secretion of mucus that coats the stomach lining Signup and view all the answers

What type of feedback mechanism is involved in the activation of pepsinogen to pepsin?

Positive feedback Signup and view all the answers

What role does mucus secreted by gastric glands play in digestion?

It protects against self-digestion. Signup and view all the answers

What was discovered to be the primary cause of gastric ulcers?

Infection by Helicobacter pylori. Signup and view all the answers

What is chyme?

An acidic, nutrient-rich broth from food breakdown. Signup and view all the answers

How does the body prevent acid reflux?

By regulating the sphincter between the stomach and small intestine. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the release of bicarbonate in the duodenum?

The presence of chyme. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of bile salts in digestion?

To emulsify fats. Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of the small intestine in humans?

About 6 m (20 feet). Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following enzymes is secreted by the pancreas in inactive forms?

Trypsin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the muscular contractions in the stomach?

To mix and move stomach contents. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does secretin have on the pancreas?

It stimulates the secretion of bicarbonate. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose do the fangs of venomous snakes serve?

To inject venom into prey Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation helps carnivorous vertebrates consume large meals infrequently?

An expandable stomach Signup and view all the answers

Why do herbivores generally have longer alimentary canals than carnivores?

They require more time for digestion Signup and view all the answers

What role does the enteric nervous system play in digestion?

It regulates secretion of digestive juices Signup and view all the answers

How does the human body primarily store excess energy from the diet?

As glycogen in liver and muscle cells Signup and view all the answers

What substance liberates the most energy when oxidized in the body?

Fat Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is secreted by the stomach to regulate digestion?

Gastrin Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions does the human body first expend liver glycogen?

When fewer calories are consumed than expended Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of hormonal control in digestion?

To ensure digestive secretions are timely and necessary Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the koala’s digestive system from that of the coyote?

Koalas have longer intestines for better digestion of plants Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cecum in the large intestine?

Fermenting ingested material Signup and view all the answers

How is water primarily reabsorbed in the small intestine?

Osmosis following sodium ion movement Signup and view all the answers

What causes feces to become compacted, leading to constipation?

Slow movement through the colon Signup and view all the answers

What role do bacteria in the human colon play in digestion?

They generate gases as by-products of metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the urge to defecate in humans?

Filling of the stomach after a meal Signup and view all the answers

What primarily composes the dry weight of feces?

Undigested cellulose fiber Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why dental adaptations have contributed to the success of mammals?

They are optimized for processing various foods Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the large intestine is responsible for storing feces until elimination?

Rectum Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the lining of the colon is irritated by infection?

Less water is reabsorbed than normal Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily influences the adaptation of vertebrate digestive systems?

The diet of the animal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of type 1 diabetes?

Destruction of pancreatic beta cells Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is common for managing type 1 diabetes?

Insulin injections Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes?

Excess body weight and lack of exercise Signup and view all the answers

How is insulin typically produced for diabetes treatment nowadays?

From genetically engineered bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes?

More than 90% Signup and view all the answers

What factor may contribute to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes?

Inflammatory signals from the immune system Signup and view all the answers

At what age is type 2 diabetes typically diagnosed?

After age 40, but can affect younger individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is a common health problem associated with obesity?

Type 2 diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for the concentration of glucose in the blood?

70–110 mg/100 mL Signup and view all the answers

What role do hormones play in appetite control?

They regulate both long-term and short-term appetite Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of overnourishment?

Accumulation of fat and obesity Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone promotes the uptake of glucose from the blood into body cells?

Insulin Signup and view all the answers

What role does glucagon play when blood glucose levels drop below normal?

Promotes the release of glucose into the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is a major function of the pancreas aside from hormone secretion?

Secreting digestive enzymes Signup and view all the answers

Which cells in the pancreas are responsible for producing insulin?

Beta cells Signup and view all the answers

How does the liver respond to high insulin levels after a carbohydrate-rich meal?

Promotes glucose biosynthesis into glycogen Signup and view all the answers

What complication occurs in severe cases of diabetes mellitus?

Formation of acidic metabolites from fat breakdown Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus due to glucose exceeding kidney reabsorption capacity?

Presence of sugar in urine Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about brain cells and glucose is correct?

They can uptake glucose regardless of insulin presence. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'diabetes mellitus'?

Copious urination and sugar in urine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of bile production?

Destruction of red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adaptations increases the surface area of the small intestine for nutrient absorption?

Microvilli Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the nutrients after they are absorbed by the epithelial cells of the small intestine?

They enter the hepatic portal vein Signup and view all the answers

How does fructose enter the epithelial cells of the small intestine?

Facilitated diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What results from the hydrolysis of fat in the small intestine?

Fatty acids and a monoglyceride Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the liver concerning nutrients absorbed from the small intestine?

To regulate their distribution and detoxify substances Signup and view all the answers

In the digestive system, where do chylomicrons first enter after fat absorption?

Lacteals Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs when bile pigments accumulate in the skin?

Jaundice Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about passive and active transport of nutrients in the small intestine is correct?

Certain nutrients are transported against their concentration gradients Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily absorbed by the intestinal epithelial cells and directly enters the bloodstream?

Amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What is one major function of mucus in saliva?

To lubricate food for easier swallowing Signup and view all the answers

What role does amylase in saliva play in the mouth?

It breaks down starch and glycogen Signup and view all the answers

Why does saliva contain a significant amount of amylase?

To reduce nutrients available to mouth microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the tongue in food processing?

It evaluates and assists in the passage of food Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the salivary glands to release saliva?

The anticipation or arrival of food Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the vital components of saliva critical for oral health?

Buffers to neutralize acidity Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily enhanced by chewing food?

Mechanical breakdown of food Signup and view all the answers

What does saliva do to protect against bacteria in the mouth?

Contains antimicrobial agents like lysozyme Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of saliva in the digestive process?

To lubricate food for easier swallowing Signup and view all the answers

Which component of saliva helps protect against bacteria?

Lysozyme Signup and view all the answers

Why does saliva contain a large amount of amylase?

To release food particles stuck to the teeth Signup and view all the answers

What role do teeth play in the initial stages of digestion?

Breaking food into smaller pieces Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary substance in saliva that aids in lubrication?

Mucus Signup and view all the answers

How does the tongue contribute to the digestive process?

By evaluating and processing ingested material Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of saliva?

Neutralizing stomach acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of buffers in saliva?

Preventing tooth decay by neutralizing acid Signup and view all the answers

What structure connects the throat to the stomach?

Esophagus Signup and view all the answers

What role does hydrochloric acid (HCl) play in the stomach?

It converts pepsinogen to pepsin. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism ensures that food does not enter the trachea during swallowing?

Pharyngeal reflex Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of chyme?

A mixture of food and gastric juice Signup and view all the answers

How does the stomach accommodate large volumes of food?

With its accordion-like folds and elastic walls Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the activation of pepsin from pepsinogen?

Clipping by hydrochloric acid Signup and view all the answers

Why is pepsin not active in the gastric glands?

The pH is too high for its activity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the physiological response to a blockage of the trachea?

Vigorous coughing or Heimlich maneuver Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the sphincter at the end of the esophagus?

To regulate the passage into the stomach Signup and view all the answers

Why don't the gastric glands get digested by their own secretions?

The glands have a thick protective mucus layer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way the stomach protects itself from self-digestion?

Producing mucus Signup and view all the answers

Which bacteria has been identified as a primary cause of gastric ulcers?

Helicobacter pylori Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the mixing of stomach contents that enhances digestion?

Churning Signup and view all the answers

What role does secretin play in the digestive process?

Stimulates bicarbonate secretion from the pancreas Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the small intestine is primarily involved in the mixing of chyme with digestive juices?

Duodenum Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of bile salts in the digestion of fats?

To emulsify fat globules Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the passage of chyme through the sphincter into the small intestine?

Peristaltic contractions in the stomach Signup and view all the answers

How often does the stomach mix its contents through muscular contractions?

Every 20 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which type of enzyme does the pancreas secrete to aid in protein digestion?

Proteases Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of the small intestine in humans?

Approximately 6 meters Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of lacteals in the lymphatic system?

Absorb and transport chylomicrons from the intestines Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism for water reabsorption in the intestines?

Osmosis driven by ion concentration gradients Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cecum in the large intestine?

Ferment ingested material, particularly plant materials Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the lining of the colon is irritated?

Less water is reabsorbed, resulting in diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

How many hours does it typically take for material to travel the length of the colon?

12–24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of bile production by the liver?

Destroying red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of feces primarily based on?

Cellulose fiber and dead bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the small intestine greatly increases nutrient absorption?

Folds, villi, and microvilli Signup and view all the answers

What could lead to constipation in the digestive system?

Feces moving too slowly through the colon Signup and view all the answers

How are chylomicrons absorbed from the small intestine?

Into lacteals in the lymphatic system Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the urge to defecate in humans?

Filling of the stomach and colon contractions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the hepatic portal vein?

Conveying nutrient-rich blood to the liver Signup and view all the answers

Which process allows the absorption of fructose in the small intestine?

Facilitated diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What role do bacteria in the human colon serve in digestion?

They synthesize essential vitamins and produce gases Signup and view all the answers

What happens to nutrients after they leave the small intestine?

They are processed by the liver Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the appendix in humans?

Act as a reservoir for symbiotic microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Which molecules can be absorbed in the small intestine through active transport?

Amino acids and glucose Signup and view all the answers

What condition occurs from the accumulation of bile pigments in the skin?

Jaundice Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a role of the liver in nutrient processing?

Directly absorbing glucose from the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

What are the microscopic projections on the epithelial cells of villi called?

Microvilli Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cause of type 1 diabetes?

Autoimmune destruction of beta cells Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is most commonly used for type 1 diabetes management?

Insulin injections Signup and view all the answers

What primarily characterizes type 2 diabetes?

Insulin resistance in target cells Signup and view all the answers

At what age is type 2 diabetes generally diagnosed?

Typically after age 40 Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of individuals with diabetes is estimated to have type 2 diabetes?

Approximately 90% Signup and view all the answers

What lifestyle factors significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes?

High caloric intake and physical inactivity Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows snakes to inject venom into their prey?

Hollow fangs that act like syringes Signup and view all the answers

What may be a future treatment possibility for type 1 diabetes?

Stem cell therapy for beta cell regeneration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adaptations is common in carnivorous vertebrates to facilitate occasional large meals?

Expandable stomachs Signup and view all the answers

Why do herbivores generally require longer alimentary canals compared to carnivores?

To provide more time and surface area for digesting plant matter Signup and view all the answers

What system in the body helps regulate appetite through feedback circuits?

Neural network and digestive signals Signup and view all the answers

Which health issue can result from obesity, particularly related to diabetes?

Increased cholesterol levels Signup and view all the answers

What role does the enteric nervous system play in digestion?

It activates digestive processes stepwise as food enters each compartment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes?

Failure of target cells to respond to insulin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary energy storage molecule in human liver and muscle cells?

Glycogen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding energy storage in the body?

Muscle glycogen is used before liver glycogen during calorie deficit. Signup and view all the answers

How does hormonal control coordinate digestion?

By ensuring digestive secretions are present only when needed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plays a crucial role in maintaining glucose homeostasis?

Synthesis and breakdown of glycogen Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs in the body during sustained heavy exercise or lack of food?

Priority use of liver glycogen for energy Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation helps koalas in processing their specific diet of eucalyptus leaves?

Having longer intestines for enhanced digestion Signup and view all the answers

What hormone decreases blood glucose concentration by promoting glucose uptake into body cells?

Insulin Signup and view all the answers

What happens to blood glucose levels when glucagon is secreted?

They increase Signup and view all the answers

Among which cells in the pancreas is insulin produced?

Beta cells Signup and view all the answers

Which function does the liver NOT perform regarding glucose homeostasis?

Uptake glucose into cells independently of insulin Signup and view all the answers

What major physiological issue occurs in diabetes mellitus related to insulin?

Insufficient glucose uptake by cells Signup and view all the answers

Diabetes mellitus can lead to copious urination due to what mechanism?

Excretion of excess glucose in urine Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the breakdown of fats in people with diabetes mellitus?

Lowered blood pH due to acidic metabolites Signup and view all the answers

How does the secretion of insulin affect glucose storage in the liver?

It stimulates glycogenesis Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mellitus' refer to in diabetes mellitus?

Presence of sugar in urine Signup and view all the answers

What would likely happen to glucose levels in the blood between meals when glucagon is secreted?

Glucose levels would rise gradually Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Food Processing in the Oral Cavity

Digestion begins as food enters the mouth, where teeth break it down mechanically into smaller pieces.
Increased surface area from mechanical breakdown aids chemical digestion and swallowing.
Saliva, released by salivary glands upon food arrival, contains mucus, buffers, and antimicrobial agents.
Mucus lubricates food for easier swallowing and protects gums, while buffers neutralize acids to prevent tooth decay.
Amylase in saliva breaks down starch and glycogen, possibly reducing nutrients available for oral bacteria.
The tongue evaluates food for further processing, shapes it into a bolus, and aids in swallowing into the pharynx.

Swallowing and Esophageal Function

Swallowing directs the bolus into the pharynx, which leads to the esophagus and trachea, preventing choking.
The esophagus uses peristalsis to propel food toward the stomach.
A sphincter at the esophagus regulates food passage into the stomach.

Digestive Functions of the Stomach

The stomach serves to store and liquefy food, holding approximately 2 liters.
Gastric juice, secreted by stomach glands, consists of hydrochloric acid (HCl) affecting food’s protein structure, and pepsin, a protease that digests proteins.
HCl achieves a low pH of about 2, denaturing proteins and enabling pepsin activity.
Pepsin is activated from its inactive form, pepsinogen, in response to HCl, establishing a positive feedback mechanism.
Mucus protects the stomach lining from digestion, and rapid cell division renews the epithelial layer every three days.
Gastric ulcers can develop from Helicobacter pylori infection, which can be treated with antibiotics.

Stomach Dynamics and Chyme Creation

Chyme, the mixture of food and gastric juice, is formed through stomach churning every 20 seconds, enhancing digestion.
Peristaltic contractions move chyme to the small intestine, regulated by a sphincter that controls the release of chyme.

Digestion in the Small Intestine

Most enzymatic digestion occurs in the small intestine, approximately 6 meters long.
The duodenum receives chyme and digestive juices from the pancreas, liver, and intestinal glands.
Secretin stimulates bicarbonate secretion from the pancreas, neutralizing chyme acidity.
Pancreas secretes inactive proteases, which are activated in the duodenum for protein digestion.

Bile and Fat Digestion

Bile salts act as emulsifiers for fat digestion, breaking down large fat globules for enzyme action.
Bile, produced by the liver, also aids in recycling red blood cell components.

Absorption in the Small Intestine

Nutrient absorption occurs in the jejunum and ileum through folds and projections (villi, microvilli), increasing surface area considerably.
Absorption can be passive or active, with nutrients like glucose actively transported across the epithelial cells.
Nutrient-rich blood is delivered via the hepatic portal vein to the liver for processing and detoxification before reaching other body parts.
Fat products are absorbed differently, combining into chylomicrons and entering the lymphatic system via lacteals.

Water and Ion Recovery

The small intestine reabsorbs nearly all water secreted during digestion, with recovery occurring primarily through osmosis following ion transport.

Processing in the Large Intestine

Comprising the colon, cecum, and rectum, the large intestine connects at a T-junction with the small intestine.
The cecum ferments material, while the colon recovers water, forming feces from indigestible matter over 12–24 hours.
Feces consist of cellulose fiber and a community of bacteria contributing to its mass and gas production.

Regulatory Mechanisms in Digestion

The digestive system is not continuously active; it responds to the presence of food in its compartments.
Hormones and the enteric nervous system control secretion of digestive juices and muscular contractions in the digestive process.
Reflexes govern saliva release, stomach churning, and the peristaltic action necessary for nutrient processing.

Evolutionary Adaptations of Digestion

Dermal adaptations reflect dietary habits, with specialized teeth aiding in food processing among different species.
Adaptations in organ sizes (e.g., expandable stomachs in carnivores) signify dietary differences; herbivores have longer digestive tracts for plant digestion.
The regulation of digestive processes aligns with animal eating patterns, preventing unnecessary activity between meals.### Hormonal Regulation of Digestion
Hormones from the stomach and duodenum regulate digestive secretions via the bloodstream.
Gastrin, secreted by the stomach, targets the same organ for digestive processes.

Energy Storage Mechanisms

Excess energy from food is stored primarily in liver and muscle cells as glycogen.
Glycogen is a polymer of glucose units; once full, additional energy is stored as fat in adipose cells.
During energy deficits, the body utilizes stored liver glycogen first, followed by muscle glycogen and fat.
Fats provide a more energy-dense storage option compared to carbohydrates or proteins, releasing about twice as much energy when oxidized.

Glucose Homeostasis

Normal blood glucose levels range from 70–110 mg/100 mL, essential for cellular respiration and biosynthesis.
Insulin and glucagon are key hormones maintaining glucose homeostasis, working antagonistically.
Insulin release decreases blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake, while glucagon increases blood glucose by releasing glucose from energy stores.
The liver plays a central role in balancing blood glucose, converting dietary glucose into glycogen or releasing glucose when levels are low.
Brain cells can uptake glucose independently of insulin, ensuring a fuel supply during low glucose conditions.

Pancreatic Hormones

Insulin (from beta cells) and glucagon (from alpha cells) are produced in the pancreatic islets, comprising only 1-2% of pancreatic mass.
The pancreas also secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate ions necessary for digestion in the small intestine.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus results from insufficient insulin or cellular resistance to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose.
Symptoms include excessive urination (due to high glucose levels in urine) and metabolic reliance on fat.
Two primary types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition destroying pancreatic beta cells; characterized by the need for insulin injections for management.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Typically develops due to insulin resistance; associated with obesity, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle.

Causes and Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is more common in individuals over age 40 but can occur in children, especially with obesity.
Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet, play a crucial role in managing blood glucose levels; some may require medication.
Associated with significant health risks, including cardiovascular diseases and an increasing mortality rate.

Obesity and Health Implications

Overconsumption of calories leads to obesity, linked with serious health issues like type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease.
Obesity accounts for approximately 300,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
Feedback mechanisms involving digestive hormones regulate appetite and fat metabolism, connecting the digestive system to brain centers for hunger regulation.