The GI track is composed of many organs and structures that store, digest, move

Question

The GI track is composed of many organs and structures that store, digest, move and expel food. Each segment has a specific functions, structural modifications have been made to the digestive system. Identify at least two organs in the digestive system which have been modified- identify the organ, the modification and the function performed. What do you think the impact on digestion and the body would be if either the stomach. small intestine or large intestine had to be fully or partially removed?

Explanation / Answer

Organ 1: Small Intestine.

The small intestine has been modified with circular folds, villi and microvilli, apart from its length being elongated. This serves to increase the surface area over which digested food can get absorbed, making it possible for absorption of nutrients to become more efficient.

Organ 2: Stomach

The monogastric or single chambered stomach in humans and some other higher animals is part of the esophageal system which takes help of the buccal cavity (mouth) to start masticating and digegsting sugars in food.

If the stomach was to be removed partially, the amount of food that could be consumed would be reduced. Also, the efficiency of digestion would be reduced as the gastric secretions would fall in volume. Complete removal of the stomach would result in proteins being undigested as the stomach is solely responsible for the digestion of protein in food through gastric juices (Pepsin etc.)It would also be a lot harder for your body to absorb Vitamin B12.

Removal of the small intestine would proportionately reduce the amount of surface area available for absorption of nutrients, as the microvilli of the small intestine function as the conduit between the nutrient products from digested food and the body's bloodstream.

Partial large intestine removal or a colectomy can cause minor problems in waste disposal (solid waste excretion). Complete large intestine removal would require an artificial colon to be introduced into the body without with solid waste excretion becomes highly risky and cumbersome. One may also have to use the bathroom more often.

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