Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

23. The Digestive System

The Gallbladder

Anatomy & Physiology

23. The Digestive System

The Gallbladder

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2:13 minutes

Problem 27

Textbook Question

Explain why activation of pancreatic enzymes is delayed until they reach the small intestine.

Verified step by step guidance

Pancreatic enzymes are produced in an inactive form (zymogens) within the pancreas to prevent them from digesting pancreatic tissue. This is a protective mechanism to avoid self-digestion and damage to the pancreas.

The inactive enzymes are transported via the pancreatic duct to the small intestine, specifically the duodenum, where activation occurs. This ensures that enzymatic activity is localized to the site of digestion and not prematurely triggered.

Activation of pancreatic enzymes is initiated by the enzyme enteropeptidase (also called enterokinase), which is secreted by the cells lining the duodenum. Enteropeptidase converts trypsinogen (an inactive zymogen) into trypsin, the active form.

Once trypsin is activated, it acts as a catalyst to activate other pancreatic zymogens, such as chymotrypsinogen into chymotrypsin and procarboxypeptidase into carboxypeptidase. This cascade ensures efficient digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in the small intestine.

Delaying activation until the enzymes reach the small intestine ensures that digestion occurs in the appropriate location, where nutrients can be absorbed, and prevents damage to surrounding tissues or organs.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Pancreatic Enzymes

Pancreatic enzymes are digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas, including amylase, lipase, and proteases. They play a crucial role in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the food we consume. These enzymes are initially synthesized in an inactive form to prevent them from digesting the pancreas itself, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of this organ.

Zymogens

Zymogens are inactive precursors of enzymes, specifically designed to prevent premature activation. In the case of pancreatic enzymes, they are secreted as zymogens into the small intestine, where they are activated by specific conditions, such as the presence of bile and intestinal enzymes. This mechanism ensures that the enzymes only become active when they reach the appropriate site for digestion, thus protecting the pancreas from self-digestion.

Small Intestine Function

The small intestine is the primary site for digestion and nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. It provides an optimal environment for the activation of pancreatic enzymes, including the right pH and the presence of bile salts. This environment is crucial for the effective breakdown of food particles, allowing for the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, which is why the activation of these enzymes is delayed until they reach this location.

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Which of these organs lies in the right hypochondriac region of the abdomen?

a. Stomach

b. Spleen

c. Cecum

d. Liver

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Multiple Choice

Emulsification of which organic molecules would be most affected if the liver were severely damaged?

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Textbook Question

Mr. Williams presents to your clinic with a complaint of abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. He says that the pain worsens when he eats, particularly when he eats fatty meals. He has noticed that his stool has been an unusual clay color recently. You perform an ultrasound of his abdomen and find that gallstones are blocking his common bile duct, preventing bile from entering the duodenum.

You test Mr. Williams's stool and find high amounts of undigested fats. Explain this finding.

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Multiple Choice

How would the gallbladder respond to an increase in cholecystokinin in the blood?

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The exocrine cells of the pancreas and salivary glands are islet cells.

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Multiple Choice

__________ is/are NOT found in pancreatic secretions.

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Textbook Question

Match the letter of the digestive organ shown in the figure with its function.

___ stores bile

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Textbook Question

Which of the following best describes the microscopic structure of the liver?

a. Hexagonal plates of hepatocytes surrounding a central vein with portal triads at each corner

b. Octagonal plates of hepatocytes surrounding a central artery with portal triads at each corner

c. Irregular groups of hepatocytes surrounding a central vein with bile ducts at each corner

d. Hexagonal plates of hepatocytes surrounding a portal vein with bile ducts at each corner

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