homeostasis and the digstive sysem
what is homeostasis?
what is the digestive system?
homeostasis and the digestive system
Within the digestive tract the food is broken down to nutrient molecules small enough to be absorbed by the villi of the small intestine. Digestive enzymes are produced by the digestive tract and by the pancreas. In addition the liver produces bile, an emulsifier that plays a role in the digestion of fats. Bile, which is stored in the gallbladder, enters the small intestine along with the pancreatic enzymes. Following the absorption of nutrients, blood passes from the region of the small intestine to the liver by way of the hepatic portal vein.
The liver, which monitors the blood, is a very important organ of homeostasis. The liver breaks down toxic substances like alcohol and other drugs, and it produces urea, the end product of nitrogenous metabolism. The liver produces the plasma proteins and stores glucose as glycogen after eating. In between eating it releases glucose, thereby keeping the blood glucose concentration constant. The liver destroys old blood cells and breaks down hemoglobin--hemoglobin breakdown products are excreted in bile. as told to me by mader.