1).Give 2 functions of the alimentary canal

Question

2). explain how the walls of the stomach are protected against
a.corrosion by hcl
b.digestion by the protein enzymes
3). explain how the alkalinity of the duodenum is maintained
4). differentiate assimilation and absorption
5).name a food that helps peristalsis
6).name the enzyme that digest maltose to glucose
7). describe the
a).ingestion
b). digestion
c). absorption
d). assimilation of ugali

Answer 1

1) Two functions of the alimentary canal are digestion and absorption of nutrients.

2) a) The walls of the stomach are protected against corrosion by HCl through the production of a layer of thick mucus. This mucus layer acts as a physical barrier, preventing the HCl from coming into direct contact with the stomach walls.

b) To protect against digestion by protein enzymes, the stomach walls secrete a thick layer of mucus and produce a hormone called gastrin. Gastrin stimulates the release of bicarbonate ions, which help neutralize the acidity of the stomach and protect the stomach walls.

3) The alkalinity of the duodenum is maintained through the release of bicarbonate ions from the pancreas. The pancreatic duct delivers bicarbonate ions into the duodenum, which helps neutralize the acidic chyme coming from the stomach.

4) Assimilation and absorption are two different processes in the digestive system. Absorption refers to the uptake of nutrients, such as sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids, from the digestive tract into the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Assimilation, on the other hand, refers to the incorporation of these absorbed nutrients into the body's cells and tissues to be used for energy and growth.

5) A food that helps peristalsis is fiber. Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, provide bulk to the stool and promote regular bowel movements by stimulating the smooth muscle contractions of the gastrointestinal tract.

6) The enzyme that digests maltose to glucose is called maltase. Maltase is produced by the small intestine and breaks down maltose, a disaccharide, into glucose, a monosaccharide.

7) a) Ingestion is the process of taking in food through the mouth and into the digestive system.
b) Digestion is the process of breaking down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body. It involves mechanical digestion (chewing and mixing of food) and chemical digestion (the action of enzymes breaking down complex molecules into simpler forms).
c) Absorption is the process by which nutrients are taken from the digestive tract and absorbed into the bloodstream or lymphatic system for transport to the body's cells.
d) Assimilation is the process by which absorbed nutrients are incorporated into the body's cells and tissues for use in energy production, growth, and repair. For example, once the nutrients from ugali are absorbed, they are assimilated into the cells of the body for various functions.