Digestive Health & Gut Nutrition Flashcards
7 cards from real CNC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Digestive Health & Gut Nutrition flashcards as text
What is the primary site of nutrient absorption in the human digestive system?
Answer: Small intestine
The small intestine is the primary site of nutrient absorption, facilitated by villi and microvilli that greatly increase its surface area.
Which organ is responsible for producing bile, which aids in the digestion of dietary fats?
Answer: Liver
The liver produces bile, which is then stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to emulsify dietary fats for digestion.
What term describes live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host?
Answer: Probiotics
Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when consumed in sufficient quantities, as established by the WHO/FAO.
Which type of dietary fiber selectively stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon?
Answer: Prebiotic fiber
Prebiotic fiber (e.g., inulin, FOS) selectively feeds beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, supporting a healthy microbiome.
Which enzyme, secreted by the stomach, begins the chemical digestion of proteins?
Answer: Pepsin
Pepsin is a protease secreted as pepsinogen by gastric chief cells; it is activated by stomach acid and initiates protein digestion.
The gut microbiome refers to the collective community of microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract. Approximately how many microbial cells does it contain?
Answer: Hundreds of billions to trillions
The human gut microbiome consists of hundreds of billions to trillions of microbial cells, representing thousands of species that influence digestion, immunity, and metabolism.
Increased intestinal permeability, sometimes referred to as 'leaky gut,' is characterized by which of the following?
Answer: Compromised tight junctions allowing unintended molecules to pass into the bloodstream
Leaky gut occurs when tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells become compromised, allowing bacteria, toxins, and undigested particles to pass into the bloodstream.