Science

• Cerebral cortex or cerebrum


  The outer layer of the brain which is divided into two hemispheres (left and right). It’s highly folded and is responsible for higher-order processes such as intelligence, memory, consciousness and personality
• Medulla oblongata


  This region controls unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing
• Spinal cord


  Extends down from the base of the brain and is formed from a bundle of neurones which branch off to different parts of the body
• Central nervous system


  Includes the brain alongside the spinal cord
• Brain

  Made of billions of interconnected neurones and is responsible for controlling complex behaviours
• Cerebellum


  This is underneath the cerebral cortex and is responsible for balance, muscle coordination and movement
• Digestion


  A complex and essential process for the human body, requiring the simultaneous action of many different enzymes to break down large food molecules into smaller, easily absorbable ones
• Bile is produced by the liver, stored in the gall bladder, and released into the small intestine when necessary
• Peristalsis is the series of involuntary, wave-like muscle movements in the cylindrical, hollow tube of the body
• Digestive enzymes

  • Responsible for breaking down large molecules into smaller, more easily absorbed ones
  • Work to break down large molecules like starches, proteins, and fats into smaller ones such as sugars (glucose and maltose), amino acids, glycerol, and fatty acids
• Peristalsis


  Longitudinal and circular muscles contract and relax to propel content through the GI tract
• Small and soluble molecules from food

  Can pass through the lining of the digestive system and be absorbed into the bloodstream, ensuring optimum benefits from everything we eat
• Bile in the small intestine


  Neutralizes acid, creating alkaline conditions ideal for enzyme activity
• Bile helps to balance the acidity levels of stomach acids and breaks down fat molecules into smaller particles through emulsification
• Cells create and release enzymes


  Transported to the digestive system to break down food and make it easier for the body to absorb nutrients
• In humans, peristalsis occurs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to propel the content from the pharynx to the anus
• Emulsifying fat breaks it down into smaller droplets, allowing lipase enzymes to work on a larger surface area and speeding up the digestion process
• Hydrochloric acid in the stomach


  Makes the pH in the small intestine too acidic for enzymes to function properly
• Digestive enzymes


  Enzymes released or secreted by the organs of the digestive system
• Deoxyribonuclease and ribonuclease


  Enzymes that break bonds in nucleic acids like DNA and RNA
• Trypsin


  An enzyme that breaks down proteins
• Bile acids


  Made in the liver and secreted into the intestine where they break down fats (emulsification)
• Amylase


  An enzyme that helps break down large starch molecules into smaller sugar molecules
• Digestive enzymes

  • Proteases that digest proteins
  • Nucleases that digest nucleic acids
• Pepsin


  An enzyme that helps break down proteins into amino acids
• Pancreatic lipase


  An enzyme used to break apart fats
• Bile salts


  Bile acids that help to break down fat
• Types of nutrients

  • Macro-nutrients
  • Micro-nutrients
• Difference between Micronutrients and Macro-nutrients

  Important differences between macronutrients and micronutrients
• Micro-nutrients contribute to body growth and disease prevention, while macro-nutrients provide energy required for the metabolic system
• Body requires an adequate amount of nutrients for various functions including growth, repair, and protection against disease-causing microbes
• Types of Micronutrients

  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Trace elements
• Excessive consumption or deficiency of both macro and micro-nutrients have a negative impact on health, balanced diet is important
• Nutrients


  Chemical substances required for the proper functioning of cells, tissues, and organs in all living organisms
• Micro-nutrients are essential for the body in lesser amounts, while macro-nutrients are required in greater amounts
• Differences between Micronutrients and Macronutrients

  • Requirements
  • Functions
  • Consequences of Deficiency
  • Consequences of Overconsumption
  • Concentration
  • Composition
  • Types
  • Examples
  • Sources
  • Advantages
• Body cannot synthesize nutrients on its own, needs to be supplied through external sources such as food
• Examples of Micronutrients

  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Vitamin C
• Types of Macronutrients

  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Fats
• The heart

  • Supplies oxygen-rich blood to the whole body