Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

Name:

Date:

🍎 Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. Which organ produces bile to help digest fats?

Stomach

Liver

Pancreas

Small intestine

2. Where does most nutrient absorption occur?

Stomach

Large intestine

Small intestine

Oesophagus

3. Which nutrients are absorbed directly into the bloodstream? (Select all that apply)

Simple sugars (glucose)

Amino acids

Vitamins A, D, E, K

Water-soluble vitamins

4. What is the main function of stomach acid?

Absorb nutrients

Break down proteins and kill bacteria

Produce enzymes

Store food

🔬 Part 2: Digestive Journey

5. Fill in the blanks to complete the digestive journey:

Food enters the mouth where _____________ begins breaking down carbohydrates. After swallowing, food travels down the _____________ to reach the stomach. In the stomach, _____________ acid and enzymes break down proteins for approximately _____ hours. The partially digested food then moves to the _____________ where most nutrients are absorbed through tiny finger-like projections called _____________.

6. Match each digestive organ to its primary function by drawing lines:

Mouth

Stomach

Small intestine

Large intestine

Pancreas

Absorbs water and forms waste

Produces digestive enzymes

Mechanical and chemical breakdown begins

Main site of nutrient absorption

Protein breakdown and storage

💡 Part 3: Apply Your Knowledge

7. Explain why athletes need efficient nutrient absorption for peak performance. Include at least three specific nutrients and their roles.

8. A student complains of stomach pain after eating a large meal quickly. Explain what might be happening in their digestive system and suggest two ways to improve digestion.

9. Design a pre-game meal for a basketball player. Explain your choices based on digestion time and nutrient absorption.

Meal: _________________________________________________

Timing: _____ hours before the game

🍎 TEACHER ANSWER KEY

1. Liver (produces bile stored in gallbladder)

2. Small intestine (via villi and microvilli)

3. Simple sugars, Amino acids, Water-soluble vitamins (Fat-soluble vitamins need lymphatic system first)

4. Break down proteins and kill bacteria

5. saliva/amylase, oesophagus, hydrochloric/gastric, 2-4, small intestine, villi

6. Mouth→Mechanical and chemical breakdown begins; Stomach→Protein breakdown and storage; Small intestine→Main site of nutrient absorption; Large intestine→Absorbs water and forms waste; Pancreas→Produces digestive enzymes

7. Sample answer: Athletes need efficient absorption for: Carbohydrates (glucose) for immediate energy and glycogen storage; Proteins (amino acids) for muscle repair and growth; Iron for oxygen transport; B vitamins for energy metabolism; Electrolytes for fluid balance and muscle function.

8. Sample answer: Large meals strain the stomach's capacity and rapid eating reduces mechanical breakdown. The stomach produces excess acid and may empty slowly. Improvements: Eat smaller portions, chew thoroughly, eat slowly, avoid large meals before activity.

9. Sample answer: Pasta with lean chicken, vegetables, small amount of olive oil. 3-4 hours before game. Reasoning: Carbohydrates for energy (digest in 2-3 hours), lean protein for sustained energy, avoid high fat/fibre which slow digestion, adequate time for absorption while avoiding hunger.