Chapter 16: Digestion and Absorption

Ans: The pancreas is a hormone-secreting complex gland that functions as both an endocrine and an exocrine organ. It is located between the U-shaped duodenum's limbs. The exocrine component of this gland secretes pancreatic juice, which includes digesting enzymes and is discharged in the duodenum. The digestive enzyme is slightly alkaline, neutralising the acid in the meal passing through the stomach and into the duodenum. To keep blood sugar levels stable, the endocrine part of this gland secretes the hormones like insulin and glucagon.

Ans: The small intestine is where most digested food is absorbed. This occurs in the jejunum and ileum, two small intestine sections bordered by finger-like villi projections. Glucose is the type of carbohydrate that is absorbed. Protein absorption takes place in the form of Amino acids. Fatty acids and glycerol are the two forms of fat that are absorbed.

Ans: The human alimentary canal consists of Mouth, Oesophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine and Rectum. The primary digestive glands of the body are as follows:

Ans: The gall bladder takes part in the storage of bile juice secreted by the liver in the duodenum. The digestive processes are unaffected if the gallbladder quits working or is removed. Bile will flow straight to the small intestine when the gallbladder is removed. The concentration of the bile will not be as it was before, but the body adapts to the transition.

Ans: (a) The small intestine absorbs the amino acids and glycerol. So, the right option is the small intestine.

(b) In the rectum the faeces initiate a neural reflex that causes the urge to remove them. So, the right option is neural.

(c) A liver infection turns the skin and the eyes yellow. So, the right option is the liver.

(d) The gastric juice in infants contains a proteolytic enzyme called Rennin. So, the right option is Rennin.

(e) The Hepato-pancreatic duct carries the pancreatic juice and bile. So, the right option is Hepato-pancreatic.

(f) In the small intestine, the duodenum is the place where the Dipeptides, disaccharides and glycerides are broken down. So, the right option is the duodenum.

Ans: The three main types of cells in the gastric gland and their secretions are given below:

Ans: The goblet cells situated in the intestinal mucosal epithelium secrete the sticky substance called mucus. The mucosal lining and the bicarbonates released by the pancreas protect the intestine's inner lining from the acid.

Ans: The neurological and hormonal systems control the actions of the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes known as the "GI- tract." The GI tract is connected by several intrinsic and extrinsic nerves. These nerves aid in the regulated working of the alimentary canal's numerous components. Furthermore, several hormones are involved in the coordination of these processes.

Ans: The differences between constipation and indigestion are: 

Ans: Firstly, the fats are emulsified in the small intestine by the bile juice. Secondly, the enzyme lipase breaks down fat into monoglycerides and di-glyceride.