Nutrition and Digestive System
We will learn about the digestive system, digestion, absorption, assimilation, defaecation, balanced diet, a
digestive system and eating habit
9.1 Digestive System
The human digestive system is made up of a long and muscular alimentary canal that starts from the
The other organs in the digestive system are the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
Salivary, gastric, and intestinal glands secrete digestive juices into the alimentary canal
9.2 Digestion
Physical digestion: A process that involves mechanical action such as chewing action and peristalsi
into small pieces to increase the surface area for the action of digestive enzymes.
Chemical digestion: The breaking down of complex molecules into simpler molecules to enable th
body cells. The process involves a hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by digestive enzymes.
Process of digestion of carbohydrate in the mouth
The presence of food in the mouth triggers the salivary glands; parotid gland, sublingual gland, and subma
amylase that digests starch into maltose
Process of digestion of protein in the stomach
Mucous cell: Produces mucus to protect the stomach wall from being eroded due to the action of hyd
Parietal cell: Secretes hydrochloric acid to destroy bacteria and provides an acid medium for pepsin t
Chief cell: Secretes pepsinogen which is later converted into pepsin in the presence of hydrochlo
polypeptide.
Process of digestion of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid in the small intestine
Liver: Produces bile which is stored in the gallbladder.
Gallbladder: Secretes bile which is channeled to the duodenum by a bile duct.
Duodenum:
o Pancreatic amylase hydrolyzes starch into maltose
o Lipase hydrolyzes lipids into fatty acids and glycerol
o Trypsin hydrolyzes polypeptides into shorter peptides
Pancreas: Secretes pancreatic amylase, trypsin, and lipase which is channeled to the duodenum by a p
Small intestine:
o Maltase hydrolyzes maltose into glucose.
o Lactase hydrolyzes lactose into glucose and galactose.
o Sucrase hydrolyzes sucrose into glucose and fructose.
o Erepsin hydrolyzes peptides into amino acids
9.3 Absorption
Adaptive characteristic of villi
Have a very thin wall (one cell thick) that diffusion of food molecule occurs rapidly.
Have a large surface area (Many folds on internal surface and microvilli).
Have a dense network of blood capillaries (Efficient transport of food molecules).
Epithelial cells have a high number of mitochondria(provide energy in nutrient transport).
Lacteal is for fatty acid and glycerol absorption.
9.4 Assimilation
The transport of nutrients by the circulatory system for the assimilation
Glucose, amino acids, water-soluble vitamins, and minerals in all blood capillaries are transported to
transport the nutrients to the liver for the assimilation process.
The blood circulatory system transports the nutrients from the liver to the body cells for further assimi
Tiny droplets of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins inside the lacteal are transported to the lymphatic vess
The nutrients will enter the circulatory system at the subclavian vein to be transported to the body cell
Functions of the liver
Detoxification: Liver cells remove toxic substances from the blood.
Synthesis of plasma protein: Amino acids are used for the synthesis of plasma protein and enzymes.
Storage of nutrients: Convert glucose into glycogen to be stored.
9.5 Defaecation
Faeces formed in the large intestine
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Undigested materials and excretory materials are moved by peristalsis
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In the colon, water is absorbed making the feces more solid
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Colon secretes mucus to bind the feces and lubricate the feces movement.
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Feces stored temporarily in the rectum
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Defecation reflex causes contraction of the rectal muscle and relaxes the internal anal
9.6 Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is a diet consisting of seven classes of food and taken in a correct proportion to m
body.
The importance of a balanced diet:
o Provide energy for various activities
o Maintain a healthy life
9.7 Health Issues Related to the Digestive System and Eating Habits
Gastric bypass is one of the treatments recommended by specialist doctors to lose weight in additio
exercise programs.
Gastric bypass involved reducing the size of the stomach by using the surgery method.
Short-term side effects of surgery include acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, enlarged esophagus, and risk
Long-term side effects include dizziness, low sugar levels, malnutrition, stomach ulcer, and digestive
Health issues related to eating habits:
Gastritis: Inflammation and damage to the stomach epithelial layer caused by the action of hydrochlo
Anorexia nervosa: An eating disorder whereby an individual always restricts him or herself from eat
be thin.
Bulimia nervosa: An eating disorder characterized by excessive food intake followed by vomiting.
Muscle dysmorphia: A psychological disorder whereby an individual always feels that he or she is to
