ITEC A&p (Digestion) Q&a

Saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates (specifically starch) into smaller molecules. This enzyme helps initiate the digestion process by breaking down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars that can be easily absorbed by the body. Amylase is produced by the salivary glands and is released into the mouth when we eat, allowing for the breakdown of starches into more easily digestible forms.

The majority of food absorption takes place in the small intestine. This is because the small intestine is lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for absorption. The villi contain blood vessels and lymphatic vessels that help absorb nutrients from the digested food. The stomach primarily functions to break down food into smaller particles, while the mouth is involved in the initial stages of digestion through chewing and saliva production. The large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, but not significant amounts of nutrients.

Massage helps the digestive system by improving circulation and delivery of nutrients. During a massage, the pressure and manipulation of the muscles and tissues stimulate blood flow, which in turn increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the digestive organs. This enhanced circulation can help improve digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as promote the removal of waste products. Additionally, massage can help relax the muscles in the digestive tract, aiding in the movement of food through the system.

Saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, specifically starch. Amylase begins the process of digestion by breaking down the large starch molecules into smaller sugar molecules, such as maltose. This enzyme is produced by the salivary glands and is essential for the initial digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth before they reach the stomach.

The majority of food absorption takes place in the small intestine. This is because the small intestine is lined with villi, which are tiny finger-like projections that increase the surface area available for absorption. The villi contain blood vessels and lymphatic vessels that help transport the absorbed nutrients to the rest of the body. Additionally, the small intestine produces enzymes and hormones that aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.

The large intestine is responsible for the absorption of water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food material, which results in the formation of feces. These feces are then eliminated from the body through the process of excretion. Therefore, the correct answer is "Excretion" as it accurately describes one of the main functions of the large intestine.

Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats into smaller molecules called fatty acids and glycerol. It does not digest starch, proteins, or carbohydrates. Therefore, lipase specifically targets and digests fats.

Proteins are primarily digested in the stomach. The stomach secretes gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid and enzymes like pepsin, that break down proteins into smaller peptides. This acidic environment and the action of pepsin help to denature the proteins and initiate their digestion. Once the proteins are broken down into smaller peptides, further digestion continues in the small intestine with the help of pancreatic enzymes and other enzymes secreted by the small intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is "in the stomach."

The muscle that allows food to enter the stomach is called the esophageal sphincter. This muscle is located at the lower end of the esophagus and acts as a valve, opening to allow food to pass into the stomach and closing to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. The pyloric sphincter is located at the lower end of the stomach and controls the flow of partially digested food into the small intestine. The cardiac sphincter is another name for the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. The "mouth of the stomach" is not a correct term for any muscle related to the passage of food into the stomach.

Trypsin is an enzyme that aids in the digestion of proteins. It is primarily found in the pancreas, where it is produced and secreted into the small intestine. In the stomach, pepsin is the main enzyme responsible for protein digestion. In the mouth, salivary amylase is present to initiate the digestion of carbohydrates. While the liver produces bile to aid in fat digestion, it does not produce trypsin. Hence, the correct answer is in the pancreas.

The digestive system breaks down fats into smaller molecules, which are then absorbed by the small intestine. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the absorption of fats by transporting them from the small intestine to the bloodstream. Together, these systems work to facilitate the absorption of fats during digestion.

Peptones are partially digested proteins that are broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids. The process of digestion begins in the stomach, where proteins are broken down into peptones by the action of gastric acid and enzymes. However, the complete digestion of peptones occurs in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. In the duodenum, pancreatic enzymes and bile are released to further break down peptones into amino acids, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, the correct answer is the duodenum.

Glycerols are absorbed by the lacteals. Lacteals are specialized lymphatic capillaries found in the small intestine. They are responsible for absorbing dietary fats, including glycerol, as well as fat-soluble vitamins. Glycerol is a component of triglycerides, which are broken down during digestion into glycerol and fatty acids. Glycerol is then absorbed by the lacteals and transported through the lymphatic system before entering the bloodstream.