9.4 ASSIMILATION

• What is the definition of assimilation in the context of nutrition?


  Assimilation refers to the process of forming complex compounds or structural components.
• How are some products of digestion processed in the body?

  They are taken to the liver via the hepatic portal vein for processing and assimilation.
• What do lacteals carry in the digestive system?


  Lacteals carry lipids and fat-soluble vitamins.
• Where do lacteals drain their contents?


  Lacteals drain into the right lymphatic duct and thoracic duct, eventually reaching the subclavian veins.
• What are the main functions of the liver in the assimilation of digested food?


  • Regulates the amount of nutrients released into the blood
  • Food metabolism: glucose for cellular respiration, amino acids for proteins
  • Detoxification: removes toxic substances
  • Storage of nutrients: excess glucose as fat, stores vitamins and minerals
• Why is glucose important for the body?


  Glucose is needed for cellular respiration.
• What happens to excess amino acids in the liver?


  Excess amino acids are broken down through deamination.
• What does the liver do if glucose is deficient?


  The liver converts amino acids to glucose.
• What is the storage form of excess glucose in the liver?


  Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver.
• What occurs when glycogen storage in the liver is full?


  Glucose will be converted into fats.
• What happens when blood glucose levels drop?


  The liver converts glycogen to glucose.
• How are amino acids utilized in the cells?


  • Used to make new protoplasm
  • Used to repair damaged tissues
  • Basic components for the synthesis of hormones and enzymes
• What is the main substrate for cellular respiration?


  Glucose is the main substrate for cellular respiration.
• What happens to excess glucose in the muscles?

  Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the muscles.
• What are the roles of lipids in the body?


  • Phospholipids and cholesterol are main components of plasma membrane
  • Excess fats are stored in adipose tissue as reserve energy
  • When glucose is deficient, fats are oxidized to release energy
• What are the fat-soluble vitamins stored in the liver?


  The liver stores vitamins A, D, E, K, vitamin B12, and iron from hemoglobin.
• What are toxins that the liver detoxifies?


  The liver detoxifies toxins, pesticides, carcinogens, and poisons.
• What is the hepatic portal vein's role in digestion?


  The hepatic portal vein carries products of digestion to the liver.
• How does the liver regulate nutrient levels in the blood?


  The liver acts as a checkpoint, regulating the amount of nutrients released into the blood circulatory system.
• If a person has a high intake of carbohydrates, what will the liver do with the excess glucose?


  The liver will convert excess glucose into fat for storage.
• What would happen to the body if the liver could not detoxify harmful substances?


  The body would accumulate toxic substances, leading to health issues.