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Questions and Answers
Which enzyme is involved in breaking down carbohydrates?
Which enzyme is involved in breaking down carbohydrates?
What happens to excess glucose in the body?
What happens to excess glucose in the body?
What is the role of the small intestine in the digestive system?
What is the role of the small intestine in the digestive system?
What is the product of protein breakdown in the human body?
What is the product of protein breakdown in the human body?
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Which organ is responsible for mixing food with gastric acid and digestive enzymes?
Which organ is responsible for mixing food with gastric acid and digestive enzymes?
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Study Notes
Digestive System
- The digestive system is a complex process by which the body breaks down and absorbs nutrients from food.
- It involves the coordination of multiple organs and enzymes to convert food into energy and nutrients.
- The digestive system consists of:
- Mouth: food is chewed and mixed with saliva that contains amylase to break down carbohydrates.
- Esophagus: food is swallowed and transported to the stomach.
- Stomach: food is mixed with stomach acid and digestive enzymes to break down proteins and fats.
- Small intestine: nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine.
- Large intestine: water and electrolytes are absorbed, and the remaining waste is prepared for excretion.
Breakdown of Nutrients in the Human Body
Carbohydrate Breakdown
- Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars (glucose) through the action of enzymes such as amylase and lactase.
- Glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells for energy production.
- Excess glucose can be stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen, or converted to fat for energy storage.
Protein Breakdown
- Proteins are broken down into amino acids through the action of enzymes such as peptidase and protease.
- Amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells for protein synthesis.
- Excess amino acids can be converted to energy or stored as fat.
Fat Breakdown
- Fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol through the action of enzymes such as lipase.
- Fatty acids are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells for energy production.
- Excess fatty acids can be stored in adipose tissue for energy storage.
Vitamin and Mineral Absorption
- Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are absorbed into the bloodstream with the aid of bile salts.
- Water-soluble vitamins (B and C) are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
- Minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium are absorbed into the bloodstream through the action of enzymes and transport proteins.
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