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

Question

The GI tract is composed of many organs and structures that store, digest, move and expel food. Each segment has a specific function with the purpose of providing nutrients to the body. In order to perform these 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

Mucosal surface of duodenum and small intestine is adapted to provide a huge area for absorption.mucosa shows finger like projection of approx. 1mm height are called villi.these villi covered with layer of columnar cell which possess microvilli.These microvilli increase absorptive surface area of small intestine.

Mucosal surface of colon is smooth .There are no villi on mucosa. Wall of colon folded in to sacs by contractions of circular smooth muscle thus producing sacculation.

If small intestine is removed then absorption of digested food not occur because most of food absorption occur in small intestine.

If stomach is removed then protein digestion will not occur because enzymes are necessary for protein digestion which activate in acidic medium of HCl secreted by parietal cells of stomach.

If large intestine is removed then water absorption affected chiefly because most of water absorption occur in large intestine.

So from all the above human body become feeble and due to lack of nutrition and food may become congested in GI tract or may rotten due to lack of acid which kills microbes all these may cause diffrent ailments in body.

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