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Digestion - Coggle Diagram
Digestion
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DIGESTIVE PROCESSES
Enzymes break down large, insoluble molecules into smaller, soluble ones.
E.g., amylase breaks starch into sugars; protease breaks proteins into amino acids.
Takes place in small intestine
Role of villi and microvilli (large surface area, good blood supply)
VILLI AND MICRO -VILLI
- Increased Surface Area: Villi are numerous and extend into the lumen of the small intestine, creating a large surface area for absorption.
- Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: The increased surface area allows for the efficient absorption of digested food molecules, such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids.
- Thin Walls: The villi are thin-walled, which facilitates the rapid passage of absorbed nutrients into the blood and lymph capillaries.
- Microvilli: Each villus has even smaller projections called microvilli, further increasing the surface area for absorption.
- Blood and Lymphatic Vessels: Villi are well-supplied with blood and lymphatic capillaries that transport absorbed nutrients away from the small intestine to be used by the body.
- Brush Border Enzymes: The villi also contain enzymes on their surface, called brush border enzymes, which aid in the digestion of certain carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
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The absorbed nutrients are transported to cells and used for energy, growth, and repair.
E.g., glucose used in respiration; amino acids used to build proteins.
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Removal of undigested waste (e.g., fiber) as faeces through the anus.
Not the same as excretion (which is removal of metabolic waste like urea).
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