The digestive systemis a complex network of organs working... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
16
0
Digestive system
296
•
26 Dec 2022
•
How Your Tummy Works: Enzymes and Nutrients
Revise with Vibes
@revisewithvibe
Nutrient Absorption and Large Intestine Function
This page focuses on the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine and the role of the large intestine in the digestive process.
The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption, with most of this process occurring in the ileum. The small intestine has specialized structures called villi and microvilli that significantly increase the surface area for absorption.
Definition: Villi are small, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. Microvilli are even smaller projections on the surface of villi, further enhancing absorption capacity.
These structures are highly vascularized, meaning they have many blood vessels running through them. This allows absorbed nutrients to be quickly transported throughout the body.
Example: Glucose, fructose, amino acids, electrolytes, vitamins, and lipids are all absorbed through the small intestine.
The large intestine, also known as the colon, plays a crucial role in water reabsorption. This process ensures that the body doesn't lose excessive amounts of water through feces.
Highlight: The large intestine is home to many harmless and beneficial bacteria. Some of these bacteria even produce certain vitamins that our body needs.
The final part of the large intestine is the rectum, where feces are stored until they are expelled through the anus. Feces consist of undigested food contents, bacteria, and other substances.
Accessory Organs in Digestion
This page discusses the role of accessory organs in the digestive process, focusing on the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
The liver is a crucial organ in the digestive system, playing a significant role in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It also produces bile, which is essential for breaking down lipids.
Vocabulary: Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats.
The gallbladder stores the bile produced by the liver until it's needed for digestion. When fatty foods enter the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile to help break down these lipids.
The pancreas is another vital accessory organ in digestion. It produces pancreatic juices containing important digestive enzymes. These juices also help neutralize the acidic chyme that enters the small intestine from the stomach.
Definition: Chyme is the semi-fluid mass of partly digested food that passes from the stomach to the small intestine.
While not directly part of the digestive system, the lungs are mentioned as an important organ involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism, highlighting the interconnected nature of body systems in maintaining overall health and function.
Digestive System Overview
The digestive system is a complex network of organs that work together to process food and extract nutrients. This page provides an overview of the main components and processes involved in digestion.
The digestive process begins with ingestion in the mouth, where mechanical digestion starts. Saliva, containing enzymes, initiates the breakdown of some biomolecules. The food then moves down the esophagus through peristalsis, which are wave-like muscle contractions.
Vocabulary: Peristalsis refers to the coordinated contraction of smooth muscles that propels food through the digestive tract.
The stomach continues both mechanical and chemical digestion. From there, the small intestine takes over as the primary site for digestion and absorption.
Highlight: The small intestine is divided into three sections: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, each playing a crucial role in the digestive process.
In the small intestine, significant chemical digestion occurs, breaking down lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. This process involves enzymes and digestive juices released from other organs such as the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.
Example: The pancreas releases pancreatic juice containing enzymes that help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
The page also mentions the epiglottis, a flap that blocks the windpipe when swallowing food to prevent choking.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
How Your Tummy Works: Enzymes and Nutrients
Revise with Vibes
@revisewithvibe
The digestive system is a complex network of organs working together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. This process involves enzyme function, nutrient absorption in the small intestine, and the role of the large intestine... Show more
Nutrient Absorption and Large Intestine Function
This page focuses on the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine and the role of the large intestine in the digestive process.
The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption, with most of this process occurring in the ileum. The small intestine has specialized structures called villi and microvilli that significantly increase the surface area for absorption.
Definition: Villi are small, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. Microvilli are even smaller projections on the surface of villi, further enhancing absorption capacity.
These structures are highly vascularized, meaning they have many blood vessels running through them. This allows absorbed nutrients to be quickly transported throughout the body.
Example: Glucose, fructose, amino acids, electrolytes, vitamins, and lipids are all absorbed through the small intestine.
The large intestine, also known as the colon, plays a crucial role in water reabsorption. This process ensures that the body doesn't lose excessive amounts of water through feces.
Highlight: The large intestine is home to many harmless and beneficial bacteria. Some of these bacteria even produce certain vitamins that our body needs.
The final part of the large intestine is the rectum, where feces are stored until they are expelled through the anus. Feces consist of undigested food contents, bacteria, and other substances.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Accessory Organs in Digestion
This page discusses the role of accessory organs in the digestive process, focusing on the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
The liver is a crucial organ in the digestive system, playing a significant role in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It also produces bile, which is essential for breaking down lipids.
Vocabulary: Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats.
The gallbladder stores the bile produced by the liver until it's needed for digestion. When fatty foods enter the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile to help break down these lipids.
The pancreas is another vital accessory organ in digestion. It produces pancreatic juices containing important digestive enzymes. These juices also help neutralize the acidic chyme that enters the small intestine from the stomach.
Definition: Chyme is the semi-fluid mass of partly digested food that passes from the stomach to the small intestine.
While not directly part of the digestive system, the lungs are mentioned as an important organ involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism, highlighting the interconnected nature of body systems in maintaining overall health and function.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Digestive System Overview
The digestive system is a complex network of organs that work together to process food and extract nutrients. This page provides an overview of the main components and processes involved in digestion.
The digestive process begins with ingestion in the mouth, where mechanical digestion starts. Saliva, containing enzymes, initiates the breakdown of some biomolecules. The food then moves down the esophagus through peristalsis, which are wave-like muscle contractions.
Vocabulary: Peristalsis refers to the coordinated contraction of smooth muscles that propels food through the digestive tract.
The stomach continues both mechanical and chemical digestion. From there, the small intestine takes over as the primary site for digestion and absorption.
Highlight: The small intestine is divided into three sections: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, each playing a crucial role in the digestive process.
In the small intestine, significant chemical digestion occurs, breaking down lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. This process involves enzymes and digestive juices released from other organs such as the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.
Example: The pancreas releases pancreatic juice containing enzymes that help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
The page also mentions the epiglottis, a flap that blocks the windpipe when swallowing food to prevent choking.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user