The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are accessory organs associated with the small intestine. We will take a side trip to these organs before we continue our journey down the digestive tract. The liver has many metabolic and regulatory roles. Here we focus on its digestive system function: producing bile for export to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Bile is a fat emulsifier that breaks fats into tiny particles to make them more readily digestible. Although the liver also processes nutrient-laden venous blood delivered to it from the digestive organs, this is a metabolic rather than a digestive role (see Chapter 24). The gallbladder is chiefly a storage organ for bile. The pancreas supplies most of the enzymes that digest chyme as well as bicarbonate that neutralizes stomach acid.
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First, what is bile? Bile is a substance produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that is released into the small intestine to aid in digestion. Show more…
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The major function of bile is to ____. stimulate stomach secretions synthesize fats inhibit stomach contractions emulsify fats aid in amino acid absorption
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Bile plays a critical role in fat digestion through its emulsification of fat globules (large droplets). This ability is due to a) its tendency to form complexes with sodium and calcium ions. b) Its amphipathic detergent-like chemical structure. c) its enzymatic lipase activity and ability to activate amylase. d) Both a) and b) are correct and c) is incorrect e) a), b) and c) are all correct
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Match: Match each structure, chemical, or process to its function. Amylase A. Upper section of the small intestine Peristalsis B. Muscular tube connecting the throat and stomach Duodenum C. Organ that produces a variety of digestive enzymes Lymphatic vessel D. Vessel that transports absorbed fatty acids to the bloodstream Anus E. Opening through which wastes are eliminated Large intestine F. Organ that absorbs water and vitamin K Pepsin G. Enzyme that starts to digest proteins in the stomach Esophagus H. Muscular contractions that push food through the digestive system Pancreas I. Organ that produces hydrochloric acid in the stomach Bile J. Chemical that breaks up large fat droplets Villus K. Tiny, fingerlike projection in the wall of the small intestine Infer: The diagram at right shows part of a villus. A villus is a tiny, fingerlike projection in the wall of the small intestine. The small intestine contains millions of villi. What are the names of the vessels labeled A and B in the diagram? What do you think is the function of a villus? Evaluate: In humans, the small intestine can be over 6 meters (26 feet) long. Why do you think this organ is so long? Extend your knowledge: What are the steps of mechanical digestion? What are the steps of chemical digestion? Why is it important that the stomach wall contains chief cells and parietal cells?
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