Digestive+System+Review+SLS


 * Shelby Smith**
 * September 8, 2008**
 * Science-Human Bio**


 * Digestive System Review**

Absorbtion is the most important step in all of the five processes included in the digestive system because it allows the body to gather and thus be able to utilize the nutrients and vitamins that are necessary to keep living and are provided in the food that we eat. Although it is important to digest food using the other processes, but this process in particular would make the overall operation moot considering the fact that we eat food to gain energy and nourish our bodies through the vitamins, nutrients and minerals that are absorbed in the digestion process.
 * 1. Argue that absorption is the most important of the five processes of digestion over the other four processes. (144-45) **

The main organs of the digestive tract are: Mouth: The first part of the digestive tract which manually breaks down the food into more manageable particles, as well as releasing an enzyme packed salvia to chemically break down food. The Pharynx and Esophagus: The pharynx is the cavity where the food passage and the air passage cross, where the esophagus is the long, muscular tube where food is transported to the stomach. The Stomach: The stomach stores the food, initiates the digestion process and the digestion of proteins, and controls the movement of chyme into the small intestine. The Small Intestine: The small intestine contains enzymes to digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Not only this but vital nutrients provided in food are absorbed during absorption via the small intestine. The Pancreas: Releases a hormone called insulin into the blood, as well as digest starch, lipids and proteins. The Liver: Regulates the plasma proteins in the blood as well as control cholesterol. The Gallbladder: Stores the bile that is secreted into the liver during the digestion process. The Large Intestine: The large intestine absorbs water to prevent dehydration as well as prepare the fecal matter from the food waste.
 * 2. List the main organs of the digestive tract and state the contribution of each to the digestive process. (146-54)**

The enzymes that are involved in the digestion of starch are called pancreatic amylase which are found in the pancreas which regulates the insulin in the blood; the enzyme used for breaking down protein is also found in the pancreas and they are called trypsin; Lastly, the enzyme that the body utilizes to break down lipids is called lipase which is also found in the pancreas.
 * 3. Name the enzymes involved in the digestion of starch, protein, and fat, and tell where these enzymes are active and what they do. (151) **

They are considered accessory organs because although all of their functions are vital for the body to survive, they are not large enough to be considered one large organ in one. Not only that, but they all do such significant different things that instead of classifying them as one organ, they are recognized individually. Carbohydrates are used for energy in the body, while proteins allow essential amino acids that the body cannot have with out protein get into the body (8 of them), and lastly fats provide essential nutrients such as Omega-3 Fatty acids which the body cannot produce on it’s own.
 * 4. Why are the pancreas, liver, and gall bladder considered accessory organs of digestion and not an organ of digestion? (152) **
 * 5. What is the chief contribution of each of these in the body--carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids (fats)? (158-59) **

9. e 10. a 11. b 12. e 13. c 14. c 15. e 16. e 17. d 18. d 19. e 20. e 21. c 22. e 23. b 24. c 25. d 26. a 27. a 28. a 29. a
 * Do the multiple choice on page 167-68. Just write the number and your answer.**