Structure & Layers
This structure connects the mouth to the stomach.
What is the esophagus
This enzyme begins carbohydrate digestion in the mouth.
What is amylase
This organ produces bile.
What is the liver
Most nutrient absorption occurs in this organ.
What is the small intestine
This condition occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
What is GERD
This innermost layer of the digestive tract is responsible for secretion and absorption.
What is the mucosa
This enzyme begins protein digestion in the stomach.
What is pepsin
This organ stores and concentrates bile.
What is the gallbladder
These structures increase surface area for absorption.
What are villi
These can block bile flow and interfere with fat digestion.
What are gallstones
This layer contains blood vessels and supports the mucosa.
submucosa
This enzyme is responsible for breaking down lipids in the small intestine.
What is lipase
This organ releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine.
What is the pancreas
These microscopic structures further increase surface area on cells.
What are microvilli
Damage to this structure leads to decreased nutrient absorption.
What are villi
These two muscle layers in the digestive tract are responsible for peristalsis.
What are the circular and longitudinal muscles
If an enzyme’s shape is altered, it can no longer bind to its substrate. This directly affects the enzyme’s ability to perform this function.
What is catalysis (breaking down molecules/digestion)
This substance neutralizes stomach acid as it enters the small intestine.
What is bicarbonate
These transport lipids through the lymphatic system instead of directly into the blood.
What are lacteals
If the large intestine does not absorb water properly, this condition may occur.
What is dehydration (or diarrhea depending on how you frame it)
Damage to this layer would most directly reduce the movement of food through the digestive tract.
What is the muscularis (muscularis externa)
Without this process, lipase would be much less effective due to reduced surface area.
What is emulsification
A patient lacks bile release into the small intestine. This process would be most directly affected.
What is emulsification of fats
If a nutrient enters the bloodstream through the lymphatic system instead of directly through capillaries, it is most likely this type of molecule.
What are lipids
A patient is unable to absorb nutrients due to damage in the small intestine. This would most directly disrupt this body function.
What is homeostasis