Question

4. Describe the features of the stomach and small intestine that are involved in the human digestion process.

Answer 1

The main organs which make our digestive system are:-

Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus.

Features of stomach:-

It is a hollow organ.

It holds the food while it is being mixed with the stomach enzymes.

* It mix/churns the food with the gastric juices( from stomach) to form the chyme.

* It has antimicrobial functions.

* it starts the beginning of chemical breakdown of proteins.

* It absorbs the fat soluble substances like alcohol.

* It stimulates the protein digesting enzymes.

* It secretes the intrinsic factor, which is required for vitamin B12 absorption in our small intestine.

Features of small intestine:-

It is made up of 3 segments

Duodenum, Jejunum and Ileum.

It is a muscular tube which breakdown the food with the help of enzymes released from the pancreas and bile from the liver.

It is mainly responsible for continuous breakdown process.

While the jejunum and ileum are mainly responsible for absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.

* It mixes chyme with digestive juices.

* It absorbs breakdown products of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids,along with the vitamins, minerals and water.

* It propels the food at a slow rate which is enough for digestion and absorption.

* It provides optimal medium for the activity of enzymes.