Podcast
Questions and Answers
Mechanical digestion consists of processes designed to reduce the size of food particles and make them travel through the digestive ______.
Mechanical digestion consists of processes designed to reduce the size of food particles and make them travel through the digestive ______.
system
Mastication involves tearing, cutting, chewing, and grinding food with the help of ______.
Mastication involves tearing, cutting, chewing, and grinding food with the help of ______.
teeth
Insalivation is the process of mixing ground food with ______ using the tongue.
Insalivation is the process of mixing ground food with ______ using the tongue.
saliva
Chemical digestion transforms food into ______ via the action of digestive juices.
Chemical digestion transforms food into ______ via the action of digestive juices.
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The resulting half-liquid mush from the stomach is called ______.
The resulting half-liquid mush from the stomach is called ______.
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The absorption process in the small intestine is quick due to its large surface area of approximately ______ metres squared.
The absorption process in the small intestine is quick due to its large surface area of approximately ______ metres squared.
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The walls of the small intestine are covered by structures called ______ that increase the absorption surface area.
The walls of the small intestine are covered by structures called ______ that increase the absorption surface area.
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Microvilli are tiny folds located on the plasma membrane of ______ cells in the villi.
Microvilli are tiny folds located on the plasma membrane of ______ cells in the villi.
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Study Notes
Mechanical Digestion
- Mechanical digestion breaks down food into smaller pieces to aid passage through the digestive system.
- Mastication: Chewing and grinding food using teeth and jaw movement.
- Insalivation: Mixing chewed food with saliva using the tongue to form a bolus.
- Deglutition: Swallowing, using peristaltic movements to move the bolus down the pharynx and esophagus to the stomach.
Chemical Digestion
- Chemical digestion transforms food into nutrients using digestive juices.
- Mouth: Saliva breaks down carbohydrates into simpler substances during bolus formation.
- Stomach: Gastric juices (containing pepsin) break down proteins in the bolus, producing chyme.
- Small Intestine: Intestinal juices, bile, and pancreatic juices act on chyme, completing its chemical breakdown into chyle (containing water, nutrients, and undigested products).
Absorption in the Small Intestine
- Nutrient absorption in the small intestine is efficient due to its extensive surface area.
- Length and Structure: The small intestine is long (7-8 meters) and its inner walls are covered in folds, villi, and microvilli.
- Villi and Microvilli: Villi are finger-like projections on the intestinal lining, containing blood vessels and capillaries. Microvilli are tiny folds on the surface of villi, further increasing the absorption surface area.
Absorption in the Large Intestine
- The large intestine absorbs most remaining water and minerals.
- Structure: Larger diameter than the small intestine, about 1 meter long, lacks villi.
- Gut Flora and Egestion: Gut flora (beneficial bacteria) break down undigested products into faeces, which are expelled from the body.
Food Fibre
- Fibre is a substance in food that cannot be digested or absorbed by the body.
- Digestive enzymes cannot break it down into glucose.
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Description
This quiz explores the stages of human digestion, focusing on mechanical and chemical processes. Learn how food is broken down, absorbed, and the vital role of various digestive organs in nutrient absorption. Test your understanding of the mechanisms involved in digestion.
