Untitled Deck Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the two crucial roles of the digestive system?
Digestion and Absorption
Digestion involves breaking down large food molecules into smaller ones, while absorption refers to taking these small molecules, vitamins, minerals, and water into the bloodstream.
What does carbohydrates break down into during digestion?
Glucose
Carbohydrates, such as starch, are broken down into glucose.
What does proteins break down into during digestion?
Amino acids
Proteins are digested into amino acids.
What do lipids break down into during digestion?
Glycerol and fatty acids
Lipids include oils and fats, which are broken down into glycerol and fatty acids.
What are the main organs involved in the digestive system?
Mouth, Esophagus, Stomach, Pancreas, Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Rectum, Anus
These organs work together to digest food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste.
What is the function of teeth in the digestive system?
Physically break down food by chewing
This increases the surface area for enzyme action and makes swallowing easier.
What enzyme does saliva contain that aids in digestion?
Amylase
Amylase digests starch into maltose.
What is the role of the stomach in digestion?
Mixes food, produces pepsin and hydrochloric acid
Pepsin is a protease that breaks down proteins, while hydrochloric acid kills bacteria and provides optimal pH for pepsin.
What does the pancreas release into the small intestine?
Pancreatic juices containing digestive enzymes
These include carbohydrases, proteases, and lipases.
What is the function of bile?
Neutralizes stomach acid and emulsifies lipids
Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
What are villi, and what is their function?
Tiny finger-like projections lining the small intestine
They increase surface area for diffusion and nutrient absorption.
What is the primary function of the large intestine?
Absorbs excess water and leaves behind feces
Feces are stored in the rectum.
What is a pathogen?
A disease-causing organism
Pathogens can lead to transmissible diseases.
How can pathogens be transmitted through direct contact?
Through physical contact, blood, and bodily fluids
Examples include chickenpox and HIV.
What are some examples of indirect contact transmission of pathogens?
Eating contaminated food, mosquitoes, inhaling droplets
These methods do not require direct human-to-human contact.
What role do white blood cells play in the immune system?
Fight off infections through phagocytosis and antibody production
Phagocytes engulf pathogens, while lymphocytes produce antibodies.
What is active immunity?
Defense against a pathogen by antibody production in the body
This immunity is gained after an infection or through vaccination.
What are antibodies?
Proteins produced by lymphocytes that bind to specific antigens
They help in pathogen destruction.
What is the purpose of vaccination?
To protect the body against harmful diseases before contact
Vaccination introduces weakened pathogens or their antigens to stimulate an immune response.
What is passive immunity?
Short-term defense against a pathogen by antibodies acquired from another individual
Examples include antibodies from mother to baby via placenta or breast milk.
What causes cholera?
Bacterium transmitted in contaminated water
The bacteria produce a toxin that leads to diarrhea and dehydration.
What is the treatment for cholera?
Oral rehydration therapy
This involves a drink with salt and sugar to combat dehydration.
