Digestive system
Chapter 16: Digestive System Overview
Mouth
Amylase:
Enzyme present in saliva that initiates starch digestion.
Memory Tip: Mouth = Amylase = Starch digestion STARTS.
Stomach
Protein Digestion:
Begins in the stomach with the enzyme pepsin in the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Memory Tip: Protein = Pepsin = Stomach.
Small Intestine
Role:
Site of the most digestion.
Memory Tip: Small intestine = MAIN digestion site.
Liver
Function:
Produces bile which is essential for fat digestion.
Memory Tip: Liver = MAKES bile.
Gallbladder
Function:
Stores bile produced by the liver until it is needed for digestion.
Memory Tip: Gallbladder = STORES bile.
Cholecystokinin (CCK)
Role:
Hormone that triggers the release of bile from the gallbladder when fat enters the duodenum.
Memory Tip: Fat → CCK → Gallbladder releases bile.
Large Intestine
Function:
Primarily responsible for absorbing water from indigestible food matter.
Memory Tip: Large intestine = water recovery.
Ordered Steps of Digestion
Question 1: Order of Digestion
Correct Sequence: B. Mechanical processing → Secretion → Enzymatic hydrolysis → Absorption → Elimination.
Memory Tip: Break → Add enzymes → Chemically break → Absorb → Remove waste.
Question 2: Bird Digestion
Structure for Mechanical Digestion: E. Gizzard.
Function: Contains sand and rocks that act as a grinder for mechanical digestion.
Memory Tip: Gizzard = Grinder.
Enzymes in Digestion
Question 3: Salivary Enzyme
Human Saliva Contains: E. Amylase.
Question 4: Protein Digestion Begins
Site of Initiation in Humans: D. Stomach.
Question 5: Bile Production
Organ That Secretes Bile: A. Liver.
Question 6: Bile Storage
Structure that Stores Bile: A. Gallbladder.
Question 7: Starch Digestion Begins
Site of Initiation: C. Mouth.
Question 8: Majority of Digestion
Where Most Enzymatic Digestion Occurs: C. Small intestine.
Question 9: Large Intestine Function
Primary Function: E. Absorb water.
Question 10: Hormone for Fat Digestion
Hormone Triggered by Fat in Duodenum: A. Cholecystokinin (CCK).
Question 11: Gastrin Source
Organ Producing Gastrin: C. Stomach.
Function: Gastrin regulates stomach acid production.
Memory Tip: Stomach controls itself (gastrin → acid).
Question 12: Endocrine Digestive Organs
Organs Acting as Endocrine Glands: B. Pancreas & stomach.
Question 13: Enzyme Matching
Correctly Paired Enzyme and Substrate: C. Pancreatic amylase – starch.
Memory Tip: Amylase = carbs ONLY.
Question 14: Function of HCl
Primary Function in the Stomach: D. Kill bacteria.
Additional Role: Activates pepsin for protein digestion.
Memory Tip: HCl = acidic defense + activates pepsin.