Digestive System and Nutrition

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on the digestive system and nutrition.

What are the main functions of the digestive organs in the gastrointestinal tract?

The digestive organs hydrolyze or break down macromolecules found in food into subunit molecules that can be absorbed.

What is the function of salivary glands?

Salivary glands secrete saliva, which contains salivary amylase for starch digestion and lysozyme, an antimicrobial enzyme.

What are the four layers of the gastrointestinal tract from the innermost to the outermost?

Mucosa, Submucosa, Muscularis, and Serosa.

What is the role of the stomach in digestion?

The stomach stores food, begins protein digestion, and controls movement into the small intestine, but does not absorb nutrients.

What are villi and their function in the small intestine?

Villi are fingerlike projections that increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients and contain blood capillaries and lacteal.

What is peristalsis?

Peristalsis is the contraction of smooth muscle that pushes food through the digestive tract.

What causes heartburn or GERD?

Heartburn occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus due to failure of the lower gastroesophageal sphincter.

What are the main components of pancreatic juice?

Pancreatic juice contains digestive enzymes like amylase and trypsin, and sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acidic chyme.

How are carbohydrates digested in the small intestine?

Carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes like salivary amylase and pancreatic amylase into simple sugars such as glucose.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose due to the absence of lactase, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and bloating.