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91Ó°ÊÓ

Which of the following statements about digestion of food in the large intestines is true? a. Mechanical digestion occurs by bacteria. b. Semi-solid waste is moved by wave-like muscle contractions. c. Most nutrients are absorbed. d. Peristaltic mixing occurs.

Short Answer

Expert verified
b. Semi-solid waste is moved by wave-like muscle contractions.

Step by step solution

01

- Understand the Function of the Large Intestines

The large intestine, primarily responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes, turns digested food into feces. It has limited involvement in the digestion of nutrients.
02

- Identify Mechanical Digestion and Bacteria Involvement

Mechanical digestion does not occur through bacteria. Bacteria in the large intestine help in the chemical breakdown of certain substances, particularly those that are indigestible by human enzymes.
03

- Wave-like Muscle Contractions

Wave-like muscle contractions, called peristalsis, help move semi-solid waste through the large intestine towards the rectum.
04

- Nutrient Absorption

Most nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, not the large intestine.
05

- Peristaltic Mixing

Peristaltic mixing primarily occurs in the small intestine, where it aids in combining food with digestive juices.
06

- Identify the Correct Statement

Based on the analysis, the correct statement about digestion in the large intestines is: 'Semi-solid waste is moved by wave-like muscle contractions.'

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Peristalsis
Peristalsis is a key process in the large intestine. It involves wave-like muscle contractions that help move the semi-solid waste through the colon.
These contractions are rhythmic and coordinated, ensuring that the waste progresses towards the rectum efficiently.
This movement is vital for preventing the build-up of waste and maintaining bowel health.
  • Peristalsis occurs involuntarily. This means you do not need to think about it for it to happen.
  • The process not only pushes waste along but also mixes it to promote the absorption of water and electrolytes.
Without peristalsis, waste would accumulate in the intestines, leading to serious health problems.
Nutrient Absorption
Although the large intestine has a role in absorbing certain substances, most nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine.
In the large intestine, the absorption process is more focused on water and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.
This is why people can become dehydrated if their large intestine is not functioning properly.
  • Vitamin K and some B vitamins are produced by bacteria in the large intestine and then absorbed into the body.
  • The small intestine is responsible for absorbing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and most vitamins and minerals.
Understanding this division of labor is key to knowing how the digestive system works as a whole.
Mechanical Digestion in the Large Intestine
Mechanical digestion in the large intestine is a bit different from other parts of the digestive system.
While it is true that bacteria help in the breakdown of certain substances, these processes are chemical rather than mechanical.
Mechanical digestion in this context primarily involves the action of the muscles in the intestine.
  • These muscles contract to mix and move the contents, which facilitates the extraction of water and electrolytes.
  • Unlike the small intestine, the large intestine does not produce digestive enzymes. The primary role of its mechanical processes is to help form and move feces.
This mechanical action ensures that waste material moves effectively through the colon to be expelled from the body.

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