6: Digestion and Human Health Flashcards
(27 cards)
What does the human body take in from the environment?
Food and water
These are essential for obtaining macromolecules for survival.
What is the primary function of the human digestive system?
To process food and water to obtain macromolecules
Macromolecules are necessary for survival.
List the parts of the digestive tract in order.
- Mouth
- Pharynx
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
This is the pathway food takes during digestion.
What are the accessory organs involved in digestion?
- Salivary glands
- Liver
- Gall bladder
- Pancreas
These organs supply chemicals that aid in digestion.
What role does the stomach play in digestion?
It supplies chemicals and generates physical contractions to break down food
This process liquefies food into soluble units.
How are nutrients transported to cells in the body?
Via the circulatory system
Nutrients must be liquefied into soluble units to pass through cell membranes.
What types of nutrients does food supply?
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids (fats)
- Protein
- Nucleic acids
Each type of nutrient has specific functions in the body.
What is the primary function of carbohydrates and lipids?
To supply energy and material for cell membranes
Lipids also contribute to cellular structure.
What are the functions of proteins in the body?
- Assist in transport
- Provide immunity
- Facilitate muscle action
- Make up cellular structures
Proteins are structurally and functionally diverse.
What is the role of nucleic acids?
To direct growth and development
They are essential for cellular functions.
What do enzymes do?
Speed up chemical reactions, particularly for energy production
Enzymes are crucial for metabolic processes.
What are vitamins and minerals?
Organic and inorganic substances that enable chemical reactions and aid in tissue development
They also support growth and immunity.
What are some disorders of the digestive system?
- Ulcers
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Gallstones
These disorders can significantly impact overall health.
True or False: Eating disorders can damage overall health by depriving the body of nutrients.
True
Such disorders affect digestion and nutrient absorption.
What is the role of the mouth and teeth in digestion?
Physical digestion and initial starch breakdown.
What does food consist of?
Macromolecules, vitamins, minerals, and water.
What is the function of the esophagus?
Transport to stomach.
What occurs in the stomach?
Physical digestion and initial protein breakdown.
What is the role of the small intestine?
Chemical digestion of all nutrients.
What do accessory organs do?
Secrete enzymes and bile.
What is the function of the large intestine?
Storage of feces.
What is the role of the rectum?
Stores feces before elimination.
What is the function of the anus?
Controls the expulsion of feces.
What is feces?
Waste material eliminated from the digestive tract.
