Chapter 3: Digestion and Absorption
Fig. 3.1 Levels of organization
Cells
Require energy, ATP Requires nutrients Form tissues Form Organs Form Organ systems
Four Types of Tissue in the Human Body
Epithelial
lines the body surfaces
holds structure together
Connective
Muscle
for movement communication
Nervous
Fig. 3.2 Organs and Systems
Digestive System
Alimentary canal- mouth to anus
Functions
Movement Secretion Digestion Absorption Elimination Nutrient production (by bacteria)
Digestive System
Alimentary canalmouth to anus
GI Tract
Food Bolus Chyme Mouth Esophagus Stomach Duodenum Ileum Jejunum Cecum Ascending colon Transverse colon Descending colon Sigmoid colon
“Waste”
Functions of the Sphincters
Cardiac or lower esophageal sphincter
Prevents reflux of stomach content to cause heartburn and ulcers Controls the amount of stomach content into the small intestine
Controls the amount of bile into the small intestine Prevents large intestine content (bacteria) back up into the small intestine
Pyloric sphincter
Sphincter of Oddi
Ileocecal sphincter
Fig. 3.8
Digestion and the Mouth
Cooking Mastication Saliva
Enzymes to help breakdown simple sugars Mucus to lubricate the food for easier swallowing Lysozyme to kill bacteria Taste receptors (Flavor is enhanced with the olfactory cells) Enzymes to help breakdown fatty acids
Tongue
Epiglottis
The Swallowing Process
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/facs/health/nursing/sonic/scenarios/uclananim/wh olebodyzoom.swf
The Stomach
Lower esophageal sphincter and pyloric sphincter Capacity of ~4 cups Secretion of hydrochloric acid and enzymes
Destroys ingested proteins
Holds food for 2-4 hours Results in the formation of chyme Mucus layer prevents autodigestion Secretion of the intrinsic factor
Physiology of the Stomach
What stimulates acid production?
Stimulated by Animation of acid production Gastrin Stomach distention Histamine Thoughts of food (nerve input) Food itself Prevents autodigestion Stop secretion when pH is ~2 Thick mucus layer
Stomach Acid
Destroys activity of protein Converts pepsinogen to pepsin Partially digests dietary protein Assists in calcium absorption
The Small Intestine
The Small Intestine
Duodenum ~10 inches in length Primary site of digestion Jejunum ~4 feet in length Some digestion Ileum ~5 feet in length Little digestion
Movement Along the Intestine
Peristalsis
A ring of contraction propelling material along the GI tract
Segmentation
A back-and-forth action that breaks apart food Peristaltic wave that contracts over a large area of the large intestine to help eliminate waste
Mass movement
Movement
http://www.lionden.com/peristalsis.htm
Digestive Enzymes
Enzymes speed up chemical reactions Enzymes lower the amount of energy needed for the action to proceed Each enzyme acts on specific substance Enzyme release and activation are controlled by nerves and hormones Enzymes are only released when needed
http://www.tvdsb.on.ca/westmin/science/sbi3a1/digest /enzymes.htm
Physiology of the Small Intestine
The wall is folded Villi projections are located on the folds Absorptive cells (enterocytes) are located on the villi Microvilli is located on the villi Glycocalyx is located on the microvilli Increases intestinal surface area 600 x
The Small Intestine
Intestinal Mucosa
Absorptive cells Produced in crypts Migration and maturation from the crypts to the tips of the villi Degradation of cells at the tips of the villi by digestive enzymes Newly formed cells constantly migrate to replace dying ones (< 6 days) High turnover causes the cells to deteriorate during nutrient deficiency
In the Small Intestine
Bile acid from the liver via the gallbladder Bicarbonate ions from the pancreas Muscle contractions to mix the food with digestive juices Food remains 3-10 hours in the small intestine ~95% of digestion takes place here
Site of Absorption
Types of Absorption
Passive
Intestinal wall is permeable to the nutrient Going from higher to lower concentration No energy expended A carrier shuttles substances into the absorptive cells Going from higher to lower concentration No energy expended
Facilitated
Active
Uses a carrier and ATP Phagocytosis and pinocytosis
Endocytosis
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/facs/health/nursing/sonic/scenarios/uclananim/wholebodyzoom.swf
Types of Absorption
Circulation
Intestinal villi drains into Portal circulation
Water-soluble Portal vein Fat-soluble Large particles Thoracic duct Left subclavian vein
Lymphatic circulation
Enterohepatic Circulation
Bile circulation Liver gallbladdersmall intestine portal vein liver ~98% of bile is recycled
The Large Intestine
Little digestion occurs Indigestible food stuff Absorption of 85-90% of the water, some minerals, vitamins Formation of feces for elimination
A Summary
ORGAN FUNCTIONS
Mouth Esophagus
Stomach
Chewing Digestion of starch Passage way
Food Storage Acid kills bacteria Some protein digestion
Small Intestine Large Intestine Anus Liver
Gallbladder Pancreas
Final digestion Absorption Absorption of water, minerals Elimination Production of bile
Store and release bile Enzymes and bicarbonate
Hormones
Gastrin Secretin Cholecystokinin Gastric Inhibitory Peptide
Gastrin
Originated from the pyloric region of the stomach and upper duodenum Stimulated by food, thoughts of food Stimulates flow of stomach enzymes and HCl Stimulates contraction of cardiac sphincter Slows gastric emptying
Secretin
Originated from the duodenum, jejunum Stimulated by the presence of acidic chyme and the presence of peptones in the duodenum Stimulates the secretion of bicarbonate Slows gastric emptying
Cholecystokinin (CCK)
Originated from the duodenum, jejunum Stimulated by food, presence of fat and protein in the duodenum Stimulates contraction of gallbladder and flow of bile Stimulates the release of enzyme rich pancreatic fluids Slows gastric emptying
Gastric Inhibitory Peptide (GIP)
Originated from the duodenum, jejunum Stimulated by fats and protein Inhibits the secretion of stomach acid and enzymes Slows gastric emptying
The Gastrointestinal Tract-Recap
Content Review
Recite the path of the the gastrointestinal tract. What is the goal of digestion? What is a sphincter and what is its main role in the digestive system? What is cholecystokinin (CCK)? What makes the small intestine so effective in absorbing the nutrients?
GI Problems
Ulcers
Helicobacter pylori Heavy use of aspirin Excessive acid production in the stomach Symptoms
Pain 2 hours after eating
Treatment
Antibiotics Antacid
Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease Gnawing pain in the upper chest Acid from the stomach to the esophagus Treatment
Smaller meals Less fatty meals Stop smoking Do not lie down after eating Avoid offending foods
Constipation
Slows movement of fecal matter Increases fluid reabsorption; hardening of the feces Causes:
Results from ignoring normal urge Antacids, calcium and iron supplements Plenty of dietary fiber and fluids Laxatives
Treatment
Hemorrhoids
Swollen veins of the rectum and anus Causes:
Added stress and pressure to the vessels
Treatment
Check with physician Warm compresses to reduce pain Adequate fiber and fluid
Irritable Bowl Syndrome
Visible abdominal distension Crohn’s disease No cure Eliminate specific foods
Content Review
What can cause an ulcer? How can you avoid constipation? How can you treat an ulcer?