The diagram in Fig. 1 shows part of the alimentary canal of a patient who has had surgery. Food enters at the mouth and passes through several organs. The s...
Question 1 Report
The diagram in Fig. 1 shows part of the alimentary canal of a patient who has had surgery. Food enters at the mouth and passes through several organs. The surgeon explained that removing a short section of the small intestine can reduce the amount of digested food absorbed into the blood. The patient must therefore eat smaller meals and follow advice from a dietitian.
(a) Name the organ where most absorption of soluble food molecules takes place. [1]
(b) Describe two features of this organ that make absorption efficient. [2]
(c) Explain why absorbed glucose is carried in the blood to body cells. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Most absorption of soluble digested food molecules occurs in the small intestine, especially the ileum. [1]
(b) Any two adaptations are:
- many villi provide a large surface area;
- the villi have a thin, one-cell-thick surface, giving a short diffusion distance;
- a good blood supply in capillaries maintains a concentration gradient.
These features allow absorbed molecules to enter the blood efficiently. [2]
(c) Glucose is transported in the blood to body cells. Cells use glucose in respiration to release energy for their activities. [2]
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