Assingments % - discussing the mechanical and chemical breakdown of foodstuff, as well as the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.

Instructions:
Part 1
After choosing a cat or a dog, create and submit a diagram of the digestive organs and accessory organs indicating the flow of food/digest through the gastrointestinal tract of that animal. You may use Draw.io or any other software to create your diagram. As well, include a written explanation (500-750 words) discussing the mechanical and chemical breakdown of foodstuff, as well as the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
Include all the main organs of the alimentary tract and the sections (minimum those shown in figure 7-1 or 7-2 of Case (2011) Chapter 7 – Digestion and Absorption) .
Explain the type of digestion occurring in each organ – eg.,
Mechanical – grinding, muscular
Chemical – What acids / enzymes are present – what nutrients enzyme digest and products of digestion?
Microbial – Where does this occur? How do microbes contribute to digestion?
Cover the main nutrients absorbed in each organ
i.e. where in the gastrointestinal tract do each of the main nutrients get absorbed? Be specific.
Include the main accessory organs
Illustrate and discuss the location / where it interacts with the alimentary tract
Explain how each accessory organ specifically contributes to digestion and/or absorption. Be very specific in this section. For example, for the gallbladder, do not just say that it stores bile. Go into detail how bile is needed for digestion and absorption
Part 2
Once your diagram is complete, select one organ. For that organ, consider what would happen if it became unhealthy – diseased, injured, etc.
Using at least 2 credible sources, with one being a recent (2020 or later) primary source, write approximately 500 words on the impact this would have on the ability of the animal to digest, absorb, and/or metabolize nutrients. Make sure to include how this organ would be impacted and how that would affect the animal’s overall well-being currently, and in the future. Support your claims with the sources you chose. Cite your sources, using APA Reference guidelines, including the photos you included.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Paper

Part 1: Analyzing the Alimentary Tract and Digestive Process

Step 1: Start with the Introduction

Begin by briefly introducing the topic of digestion and absorption. This should outline the main focus of the paper, which is the analysis of the alimentary tract, its organs, and the digestion process. Explain that the paper will cover the organs involved, the type of digestion occurring in each, the absorption of nutrients, and the role of accessory organs.

Step 2: Organize by Alimentary Tract Organs

In this section, focus on the main organs of the alimentary tract. You will be referencing figures 7-1 and 7-2 in Case (2011) Chapter 7 – Digestion and Absorption to organize this information. Ensure that you include the following main organs:

Mouth
Esophagus
Stomach
Small intestine
Large intestine

For each organ, follow this structure:

Type of Digestion: Explain the type of digestion happening in each organ (mechanical, chemical, and microbial).
- Mechanical Digestion: Describe processes like grinding and muscular movements. For example, in the stomach, mechanical digestion involves churning the food.
- Chemical Digestion: Identify the acids and enzymes involved. For example, the stomach uses hydrochloric acid and pepsin to break down proteins.
- Microbial Digestion: State where microbial digestion occurs (e.g., large intestine) and how microbes assist in breaking down nutrients.
Nutrients Absorbed: Specify what nutrients are absorbed in each organ, particularly focusing on the small intestine where most absorption takes place. Include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Step 3: Accessory Organs and Their Role

In this section, include the main accessory organs:

Liver
Gallbladder
Pancreas

For each organ, describe its location, its specific interaction with the alimentary tract, and how it contributes to digestion and/or absorption:

Liver: Explain its role in bile production and storage.
Gallbladder: Detail how bile is used to emulsify fats, aiding in fat digestion.
Pancreas: Discuss its secretion of digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and proteases.

Be very specific in explaining how each accessory organ functions in the digestive process and absorption.

Step 4: Visual Diagram

Incorporate a clear diagram of the digestive system, including all major organs and accessory organs. Label each organ and make sure to show how they interconnect. If possible, color code each organ or digestive process for clarity.

Part 2: Analyzing a Diseased Organ

Step 5: Choose One Organ to Analyze

Select one organ from the alimentary tract or one accessory organ to focus on. Consider an organ that, if diseased or injured, would significantly impact digestion or nutrient absorption.

Step 6: Research the Impact of Disease

Using at least two credible sources, with one being a recent primary source (published in 2020 or later), investigate what would happen if this organ were to become unhealthy. Answer the following questions:

What happens to the digestive process when this organ is affected?
How would nutrient absorption be impaired?
What are the long-term effects on the animal’s health?

Include specific details from your research about how the organ’s dysfunction would affect overall well-being and metabolism.

Step 7: Support with Evidence

Incorporate evidence from your sources to support your claims. Cite your sources using APA format. Ensure your sources are reputable, such as peer-reviewed journals, and remember to include the photos used in the diagram.

Step 8: Conclude the Paper

Wrap up your paper by summarizing the main points discussed. Reiterate how the selected organ contributes to digestion and absorption, and how its dysfunction can disrupt the digestive process. End with a final statement on the significance of understanding digestive health and organ function.

Formatting Your Paper

Title: Ensure your title is clear, descriptive, and aligned with the paper’s focus.
APA Format: Follow APA guidelines for citations, references, and overall paper structure.
Citations: Be sure to properly cite all sources used, including primary sources and any images or diagrams.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to structure and write a comprehensive paper on digestion and absorption, ensuring you cover all required elements in detail and with clarity.