Mouth
What is responsible for mechanical digestion in the mouth?
Teeth
What is the primary function of the stomach?
Digestion
What is the primary function of the small intestine?
Absorption (80% done here)
Name three sources of probiotics
Yogurt, Kimchi, Kefer, etc.
This tiny flap-like structure in the throat covers your wind-pipe
epiglottis
What is responsible for moistening our food and contains all the enzymes?
Saliva
This acts as protection against acid for the stomach lining.
Mucus layer
Name the movement used to bring food through the small intestine?
Peristalsis
What is primarily absorbed in the large intestine?
Water
How does the sympathetic nervous system affect digestion?
"fight or flight"- draws blood away from GI track and slows gut motility, decreases gastric secretions
What macronutrient is not chemically broken down in the mouth?
Protein
What macronutrient is primarily broken down in the stomach? Why?
Protein, due to the low pH of the stomach
Name two reasons that villi in the small intestine can atrophy? (become shorter)
Autoimmune disorders (celiac) and severe malnutrition
What hormone is produced by gut bacteria?
Serotonin (approximately 90%)
What is glycogen and where is it stored? (2 places)
Storage form of glucose; stored in the muscles and liver
What macronutrient does Lipase break down in the mouth?
Lipids
What is the name of the acid in the stomach?
Hydrochloric Acid (HCL)
What is the pH of the small intestine?
Around 6-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Name two main functions of fiber in the large intestine?
Food for good gut bacteria and softening/bulking stool
What Organ is responsible for secreting insulin
Pancreas
What enzyme breaks down carbohydrates in the mouth?
Amylase
what is the name of the enzyme found in the stomach that breaks down protein?
Pepsin (Pepsinogen)
What is the name of the small finger-like projections in the small intestine.
Villi/Microvilli
What two vitamins are produced by good gut bacteria?
Vitamin K and B vitamins
What organ is responsible for releasing bile into the small intestine? Why does it do this?
Gallbladder- makes stomach contents less acidic fast