Chapter 34: Digestive Systems and Nutrition

Describe the overall characteristics and functions of digestive enzymes

• Characteristics-present in digestive juices, optimal function depends on pH (salivary-neutral, gastric juices-low (about 2.0), pancreatic juices-basic, contains sodium bicarbonate) • Functions-help break down carbs, proteins, nucleic acids, and fats

List all the major components of the human digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus

• Mouth • Epiglottis, covering glottis • Pharynx • Esophagus • Stomach • Small Intestine • Large intestine • Anus

Compare the specific types of nutrients that are digested in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine

• Mouth-starch • Stomach-proteins • Small Intestine-starch, proteins, nucleic acids, fats

Discuss the major functions of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder

• Pancreas-produces digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon • Liver-produces urea and bile, detoxifies the blood, stores glycogen, and produces the plasma proteins • Gallbladder-stores and concentrates bile

Compare and contrast the structural features of the small intestine vs. large intestine

• Small-small diameter, longer than large intestine (6 m), walls have villi, 3 components: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum • Large-large diameter, shorter in length (1.5 m), 4 parts: cecum (appendix attached to), colon, rectum, and anus