Small and Large Intestine - HBS

How does food move through the intestines?

Food moves through the intestines by the peristaltic movement which is what forces the food to move through the intestines.

Where do bile and pancreatic enzymes enter the small intestine?

The bile and pancreatic enzymes enter the small intestine through the duodenum.

How does the large intestine help maintain a water balance in the body?

The large intestine helps maintain the water balance in the body by digesting and removing water from the remains of food (feces) after which it will go through the rectum.

What are the three sections of the large intestine and what roles does each play in digestion or absorption?

The three sections of the large intestine are the cecum, colon, and the rectum. The cecum is a pouch that joins the large intestine to the small intestine, it increases in diameter to let food travel from the smaller intestine into the large intestine. The colon is made up three parts: the ascending colon, the transverse colon that absorbs fluids and salts, and the descending colon which contains waste and is where bacteria helps digests the remaining food that is left. The last section of the large intestine is the rectum which stores feces.

What is the function of the large intestine in relation to digestion?

In relation to digestion the large intestine absorbs water and salts. It absorbs the water from the remaining indigestible food matter and transmit the useless waste material from the body as a solid that will leave the body.

What enzymes act inside the small intestine and what are the functions of these enzymes?

The enzymes that act inside the small intestine are amylase, protease, and lipase. Amylase acts on starch and breaks it down into small carbohydrate molecules. Protease acts on proteins and breaks them down into amino acids. Lipase breaks down dietary fats into smaller molecules called fatty acids and glycerol.

What is the pH within the small intestine and how is this pH maintained?

The pH of within the small intestine is six. This pH is maintained through bicarbonate ions

What are the three sections of the small intestine and what role does each section play in digestion or absorption?

The three sections of the small intestine are the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum receives partly;digested food, acid, and bile. The jejunum and ileum break down food fully