39. Digestive System

Which of the following best describes mechanical digestion?

What is the primary function of the digestive system?

Which term describes the process by which food is broken down into smaller, absorbable components in the digestive tract?

Which part of the digestive tract is the predominant location for water and mineral absorption?

Which of the following plays a role in both physical and chemical digestion?

Which of the following nutrients are absorbed from the digestive tract directly into the blood?

Which food items are typical of an herbivorous diet?

Which of the following is acquired outside of an animal's diet?

Animals need two types of organic precursors from their food, __________, to serve as the raw materials for the synthesis of larger organic molecules.

A breakfast cereal advertises that it contains essential vitamins and minerals. In this context, the word essential means __________.

Which of the following are considered essential nutrients: (1) certain carbohydrates, (2) certain fatty acids, (3) certain amino acids, and/or (4) cholesterol?

In general, B vitamins function in your body as __________.

B vitamins should be consumed daily, but vitamin A can be consumed more sporadically. Why is this true?

The fat-soluble vitamins include __________.

__________ are needed in the diet as components of teeth and bone, as parts of certain enzymes, for normal muscle and nerve function, and for water balance.