Purchase Solution

The Digestive System and the Absorption of Nutrients

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

A high school health teacher asks you to give a lecture to a group of teenaged students discussing the digestive system and absorption of nutrients from food. You only have 10 minutes, and need to give just the basics to keep their attention. Provide an overview of the topics you would present.

Purchase this Solution
Solution Preview

First I would talk about what digestion is: the breakdown of food materials into smaller molecules to be absorbed into the blood and carried to the cells throughout the body. The nutrients that are in food are used by the body for cell building and energy.

Next, I would discuss the anatomy of the digestive system and the purpose for each part: (this is a good place to insert pictures) Mouth, teeth, tongue, salivary glands, esophagus, small intestine, pancreas, gall bladder, liver, large intestine, rectum, anus.

Then I would explain how digestion works to mix food using peristalsis, moving food along the ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Tumor Markers

This quiz help you memorize common tumor markers used to detect and diagnose some types of cancer.

CPR (Red Cross Standards)

Are you up to date on your CPR skills? Find out if you know what to do in an emergency with this quiz.

What everyone should know about MRSA

This quiz focuses on what everyone should know about community MRSA. Community MSRA is an infection in healthy people.

Celiac Disease

This quiz will provide a brief introduction to Celiac Disease. Questions will focus on definitions and symptoms.

Crohn's Disease

How much do you know about this condition?

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • The Digestive System and its Functions

    Source: The Structure and Function of the Digestive System, 2005. http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs/1600/1699.asp?index=7041. The Digestive System and its functions as it relates to digestion and absorption.

  • Nonmotile reproductive cells and multicelled structures

    A mesh of branching fungal filaments that grows over and into organic matter, secretes digestive enzymes, and functions in food absorption. D. Fungi that obtain nutrients from non-living organic matter and cause its decay. E.

  • Digestive System Parts

    The Digestive System and its Functions Review the diagram located on p. 1. In the space provided below, write the name of each organ or part, and explain the function of each one as it relates to digestion and absorption.

  • Digestion and Absorption Processes for Lactose

    110355 DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION Can you describe to me the processes of digestion and absorption that occur after ingesting a lactose drink?

  • Immune system connections

    The nervous system has a dramatic effect on all digestive processes, particularly in the cases of motility, gastrointestinal blood flow and in ion transport associated with secretion and absorption.

  • food allergy, food intolerance, food aversion

    Some drugs interfere with absorption of nutrients, other drugs affect the body's use and/or excretion of nutrients, especially vitamins and nutrients, which may lead to a nutrient deficiency. Drugs can also increase or decrease appetite.

  • vitamins and minerals

    (2)The small intestine is the major site of digestion and absorption of nutrients. Where do the enzymes used in this process come from, and why are they available on demand? Please, see the answers to your questions below.

  • The Digestive System: How It Works

    It affects the digestive system with narrowing/blockage of the intestines, as well as ulcers and/or sores. Gallstones may even result. Malabsorption of nutrients is also a common effect.

  • Practice problems in human biology

    What is the primary function of the large intestine? A. to complete the absorption of most nutrients B. to house gas-producing bacteria C. to rid the body of toxins D. to compact, store, and eliminate feces 20.

View More Related Solutions