digestive system Flashcards
(37 cards)
What is the primary function of the digestive system?
Allows the intake and processing of food to be turned into energy
What are the four types of feeders?
- Suspension feeders
- Substrate feeders
- Fluid feeders
- Bulk feeders
Give an example of a suspension feeder.
Whale shark
Give an example of a substrate feeder.
Caterpillar
Give an example of a fluid feeder.
Hummingbird
Give an example of a bulk feeder.
Lions
What are the three main dietary categories of animals?
- Herbivores
- Carnivores
- Omnivores
What is glucose homeostasis?
State of equilibrium of glucose levels in body
What is the major fuel for cellular respiration?
Glucose
What hormones regulate glucose levels in the body?
- Insulin
- Glucagon
What is the function of glucagon?
Increases blood sugar level
What is the function of insulin?
Decreases blood sugar level
Where is glucose homeostasis primarily regulated?
Liver
What are the four classes of essential nutrients?
- Essential amino acids
- Essential fatty acids
- Vitamins
- Minerals
What are essential amino acids?
Amino acids that must be obtained from preassembled food
What are the two categories of vitamins?
- Water soluble
- Fat soluble
How many essential vitamins are required for humans?
13
What are minerals?
Simple inorganic nutrients required in small amounts
What are the stages of food processing?
- Ingestion
- Digestion
- Absorption
- Elimination
What is intracellular digestion?
Digestion that occurs within cells, such as phagocytosis
What is extracellular digestion?
Breakdown of food particles outside cells
What is the alimentary canal?
Digestive tube with two openings (mouth and anus)
What are the components of the mammalian digestive system?
- Alimentary canal
- Accessory glands
What is the role of sphincters in the digestive system?
Regulate movement of material between compartments