Lecture on Animal Digestion and Nutrition

A set of flashcards covering major concepts of animal digestion and nutrition, focusing on processes, structures, and functions.

What is the primary reason animals need to eat other organisms?

To acquire nutrients necessary for building tissue and fueling cellular work.

What are the four stages of food processing?

Ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination.

What is mechanical digestion?

The process of breaking food into smaller pieces to expose it to chemical digestion.

What is the function of hydrolysis in digestion?

It breaks down large biological molecules by adding water molecules.

What is the alimentary canal?

A digestive tube with two openings, a mouth and an anus, for processing food.

What role do the salivary glands play in digestion?

They secrete saliva which contains salivary amylase to start breaking down carbohydrates.

How does the stomach prevent self-digestion?

Mucus coating the stomach lining protects it from gastric juices.

What is the main function of the small intestine?

It is the major organ for chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients.

What substance does the liver produce to aid in digestion?

Bile, which helps in emulsifying fats.

What is the role of intestinal villi?

To increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.

What is celiac disease?

An immune reaction to gluten that leads to swelling and lack of nutrient absorption.

What is peristalsis?

The alternating waves of muscular contraction that move food along the digestive tract.

What is gastric bypass surgery?

A weight-loss surgery that reduces stomach size and bypasses part of the small intestine.

What are the primary components of gastric juice?

Hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes like pepsin, and mucus.

What are the accessory organs of the human digestive system?

Salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.

What is the purpose of the large intestine?

To absorb water, produce feces, and store waste before elimination.