Explain the functions of the accessory organs that assist with the process of digestion

Answer 1

Accessory organs are organs that are not part of the digestive tract but assist with the process of digestion. Organs such as the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are not part of the digestive tract. Rather, these organs are referred to as accessory organs, and they play an important role in the process of digestion. Together, the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs carry out three important functions:1. Digestion: It is the physical and chemical breakdown of food into a form that allows nutrients to be absorbed.2. Absorption: It is the movement of nutrients out of the gastrointestinal tract into the blood or lymph.3. Elimination: It is the process whereby solid waste is removed from the body.The presence of food in the mouth stimulates the release of saliva from the salivary glands. As food is broken apart, it mixes with saliva, making the food moist and easier to swallow. This also allows the digestive enzymes in saliva to begin the process of chemical digestion of carbohydrates and lipids while they are still in the mouth.The pancreas plays many important roles in digestion. It protects the small intestine from the acidity of chyme and it also supplies various enzymes necessary for digestion. The arrival of chyme in the small intestine stimulates the pancreas to release pancreatic juice, a mixture of water, bicarbonate, and enzymes. Pancreatic juice is released into a duct that empties directly into the upper region (duodenum) of the small intestine. Being a particularly strong base, the bicarbonate quickly neutralizes the acidic chyme as it enters the duodenum. Another fluid that plays an important role in digestion-especially when fatty foods are consumed-is bile. Although bile is produced in the liver, it is stored in the gallbladder for quick release into the small intestine. When high-fat foods are consumed, the gallbladder releases bile, which acts like a detergent. Bile causes large globules of fat to disperse into smaller fat droplets that are easier to digest. This process, called emulsification, enables fats and water to form a smooth mixture. Upon absorption, water-soluble nutrients enter the bloodstream through the capillaries contained within each villus. Once they reach the bloodstream, water-soluble nutrients circulate directly to the liver, giving it first access to the nutrient-rich blood as it leaves the small intestine. The liver then regulates the use of the nutrients to suit the body's needs.