Question

How would the following affect digestion? Why?

A lack of bile production.

A decrease in saliva production.

A reduction in the bicarbonate rich pancreatic secretions.

Answer 1

ANSWER)

(A) Bile contains cholesterol, water, bile acids and the pigment bilirubin. The role of bile (and bile salts) in the body is to:

• aid digestion by breaking down fats
• help absorb fat-soluble vitamins
• eliminate waste products

IF THERE IS LACK OF BILE :-

If the fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that you eat can’t be absorbed, they pass into the colon where they can cause complications.

• Diarrohea
• trapped gas
• stomach cramps
• erratic bowel movements
• weight loss
• pale-colored stools

(B) Saliva makes food moist, which helps chewing and swallowing and the digestion of food. Saliva also keeps the mouth clean and healthy because it contains antibodies that kill germs.

IF THERE IS LACK OF SALIVA :-

If the salivary glands are damaged or aren’t producing enough saliva it can affect taste, make chewing and swallowing more difficult, and increase the risk for cavities, tooth loss, and infections in the mouth.

(C) Pancreatic juice is alkaline in nature because of a high concentration of bicarbonate ions, this helps to neutralize the acidic gastric juice from the stomach.

IF THERE IS LACK OF BICARBONATES IN PANCREATIC JUICE :-

If the pancreas does not produce enough sodium bicarbonate, gastric acid remains in the system and pancreatic juice will not neutralize the acidic pH which can cause Ulcers and other damage in duodenum.