The digestive process, gut microbiome basics, and dietary fiber's role in gut health.
30 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the primary function of saliva in digestion?
- Saliva begins chemical digestion by breaking down starches with the enzyme amylase and moistening food for swallowing.
- What does the stomach secrete to break down proteins?
- Gastric juice, containing hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin.
- Where is bile stored before being released into the small intestine?
- The gallbladder stores bile and releases it in response to fatty meals.
- What is peristalsis?
- Wave-like muscle contractions that push food through the digestive tract.
- What are the three main sections of the small intestine?
- The duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
- Which part of the small intestine does most nutrient absorption occur?
- The jejunum and ileum absorb most nutrients, while the duodenum handles some absorption and enzyme secretion.
- What are the two main roles of the pancreas in digestion?
- It secretes digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase) and produces insulin to regulate blood sugar.
- What is the large intestine (colon) primarily responsible for?
- Absorbing water and electrolytes from the remaining food material and storing feces.
- Define the gut microbiome.
- The community of trillions of microorganisms (mainly bacteria, but also fungi and viruses) that live in the digestive tract.
- What is dysbiosis?
- An imbalance in the gut microbial community, often with reduced diversity or overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
- What are probiotics?
- Live beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health when consumed in adequate amounts.
- What are prebiotics?
- Non-digestible food components that selectively feed and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- What are short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and where are they produced?
- Organic acids produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber, particularly in the colon.
- Define soluble fiber.
- Fiber that dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance, slowing digestion and helping regulate blood sugar.
- Define insoluble fiber.
- Fiber that does not dissolve in water and adds bulk to stool, promoting bowel regularity.
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