The blood and lymph systems are also vital to digestion's efficacy, transporting nutrients to the cells of the body where they are needed (Smith & Morton 2001). Again, most of the "action" of the accessory organs and their products takes place in the small intestine where the major work of both breaking down and absorbing nutrients takes place (SUNY 2010). It is here that the enzymes secreted by the pancreas and liver arrive to do their work, and it is through the small intestine -- and primarily through the duodenum -- that carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids (fats) as well as other vitamins and mineral nutrients reach the lymph and circulatory systems that carry them throughout the body where they are useful (MNSU 2010).
Pancreatic amylase, one of the enzymes secreted by the pancreas, continues the breakdown of starches that begins in the mouth, converting these carbohydrates into maltose (SUNY 2010). Trypsin and chymotrypsin both continue the breakdown of proteins that began in the stomach, converting specific amino acids into peptides, while lipase breaks fat down into glycerol and fatty acids; all of these are enzymes secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine (SUNY 2010; Smith & Morton 2001). Bile produced in the liver emulsifies fats, and the liver also regulates the absorption and creation of certain nutrients (SUNY 2010).
After the various components of a food item are broken down, they can be absorbed. Active transport mechanisms, which involve complex networks of channel cells creating a flow through the cell walls of intestinal cells, takes the maltose and glucose broken down by the pancreatic amylase and pass it through the wall of the intestine to the bloodstream (Gillson 2005). Similar processes are used to move the amino acids that result from the breakdown of proteins through the wall and into the bloodstream as well, and from thence to the rest of...
Diabetes Digestion and diabetes: Overview of the process The digestive process begins even before food is consumed. Looking at or anticipating food causes salivation. Saliva aids digestion, along with chewing. For example, when Jane Doe looks at a plate consisting of a whole wheat turkey sandwich (garnished by vegetables and mayonnaise), potato chips, and apple juice, her body will begin to anticipate eating by secreting digestive juices. The first major involuntary muscular
The client should then be allowed to rest for a few minutes. This is followed by the application of Ortho Ease to the back of the legs. Hot compresses should be applied to the spine. Heat will begin to build up slowly. The next step is to work on the legs. Apply 2-3 drops of wintergreen, cypress, basil, and peppermint to the inside of the lower legs along the shin.
Pancreatitis The pancreas is an important source of digestive enzymes and fluids, and plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels through the production of insulin and glucagon (NDDIC, 2012). Should the pancreas become inflamed there is the risk that the digestive enzymes will become activated within the pancreas, resulting in self-digestion. This disease is known as pancreatitis and even mild cases require hospitalization. This essay will review what is
116). This point is also made by Goozner (2004) who suggests, "Even when a genetic flaw causes disease, it doesn't automatically mean that it can be treated by replacing the defective or missing protein with its biotechnologically created equivalent. Cystic fibrosis is the classic example" (p. 30). The treatment protocols that are currently in use are therefore designed to address the immediate symptoms of the condition, which in many cases
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