Scribd
Upload
50 views2 pages

CSEC Digestive System Notes

The document outlines the process of digestion, starting from the mouth where enzymes begin breaking down food, through the stomach where proteins are chemically digested, and into the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed. It details the roles of bile and the pancreas in aiding digestion, as well as the structure of the small intestine which maximizes nutrient absorption. Finally, it describes the large intestine's role in water and nutrient absorption before waste is stored in the rectum.

Uploaded by

kayleighdrichards
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
50 views2 pages

CSEC Digestive System Notes

The document outlines the process of digestion, starting from the mouth where enzymes begin breaking down food, through the stomach where proteins are chemically digested, and into the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed. It details the roles of bile and the pancreas in aiding digestion, as well as the structure of the small intestine which maximizes nutrient absorption. Finally, it describes the large intestine's role in water and nutrient absorption before waste is stored in the rectum.

Uploaded by

kayleighdrichards
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Biological Molecules: Proteins, Fats/Oils and Carbohydrates

Digestion is the process of breaking down large complex compounds into smaller similar
compounds.

All digestion begins in the mouth (chewing). Salivary glands produce enzymes- salivary
amylase. Peristalsis occurs in the oesophagus.

Stomach
The first location of chemical digestion (proteins). Both chemical and mechanical digestion.
● Contracts muscular walls
● Produces Pepsin to break down protein
● Produces HCl which kills bacteria

Roles of Bile
Bile is made by the liver, but it is stored in the gallbladder. After we have a meal, it is released
into the small intestine where it helps in two ways: one to emulsify lipids, which means to
separate large droplets into smaller droplets. The other is to neutralise the acid from the stomach,
which bile can do because it is alkaline.

Pancreas- produces amylase, trypsin and lipases.


The pancreas secretes pancreatic juice which consists of trypsin, amylase and lipase enzymes
which are excreted in the small intestine (duodenum part) to further break down any lipids,
proteins and starch into fat droplets, polypeptides and maltose respectively.

Small Intestine
Digestion ends here. Surface of the small intestine is covered in microvilli which increases the
surface area and has blood vessels which allows easy absorption. There are many villi, which
gives them a large total surface area over which to absorb nutrients. They have a single layer of
cells on their surface, which means nutrients only have to diffuse a short distance. They have a
good blood supply which maintains a strong concentration gradient between the lumen and the
blood. The cells lining the villi have microvilli on their surface, which further increases the
surface area.

Large Intestine to Rectum


Absorption of nutrients and water. Undigested food stored in the rectum.

Villi

Epithelial cells have microvilli which increase their surface area. The goblet cells secrete mucus.
Blood capillaries- venule and arteriole. Lacteal in the middle absorbs fatty acids and glycerol.
Capillaries absorb amino acids and glucose.

Muscles lining the digestive canal from the oesophagus to the small intestine. This allows
peristalsis. The incisor teeth are sharp for tearing of food and premolars and molars are used for
grinding and flattening food so it increases its surface area which makes digestion easier.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy