Ch. 41 - Animal Nutrition

Flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture on animal nutrition.

Nutrition

The process of taking in food, breaking it down, and absorbing nutrients.

Herbivores

Animals that primarily eat plants and algae.

Carnivores

Animals that primarily eat other animals.

Omnivores

Animals that consume both animals and plants or algae.

Chemical energy

Energy obtained from food, converted into ATP for cellular processes.

Essential nutrients

Nutrients required by cells that must be obtained from dietary sources.

Essential amino acids

Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from food.

Complete proteins

Proteins that contain all essential amino acids, such as meat, eggs, and cheese.

Incomplete proteins

Proteins from plants that lack one or more essential amino acids.

Essential fatty acids

Fatty acids that must be obtained from the diet.

Vitamins

Organic molecules required in small amounts for various body functions.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins that dissolve in water; includes B vitamins and vitamin C.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins that dissolve in fats; includes vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Minerals

Inorganic nutrients required in small amounts for various bodily functions.

Malnourishment

Long-term absence of one or more essential nutrients in the diet.

Undernutrition

A condition where the diet does not provide enough chemical energy or nutrients.

Peristalsis

Rhythmic contractions of muscles that push food along the digestive tract.

Digestive compartments

Specialized regions in animals that process food to reduce self-digestion risk.

Gastrovascular cavity

A central cavity for digestion and distribution of nutrients in some animals.

Alimentary canal

A complete digestive tract with two openings: a mouth and an anus.

Sphincters

Valves that regulate the movement of material between digestive compartments.

Gastric juice

Acidic digestive fluid secreted by the stomach, containing hydrochloric acid and enzymes.

Chyme

A mixture of partially digested food and gastric juice that is passed from the stomach to the small intestine.

Villi

Small finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

Hepatic portal vein

Carries nutrient-rich blood from the intestines to the liver.

Colonoscopy

A procedure to examine the colon for abnormalities.

Feedback circuits

Regulatory systems that control digestion, energy storage, and appetite.

Insulin

Hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood by promoting uptake and storage of glucose.

Obesity

Excessive body weight due to overconsumption of food energy.