Related Concept Videos

Protein Digestion01:02

Protein Digestion

Protein digestion begins in the stomach, where the highly acidic environment can easily disrupt protein structure by exposing the peptide bonds of polypeptide chains. After polypeptide chains are broken into individual amino acids by a series of digestive enzymes, the amino acids are transported to the liver via the bloodstream to produce energy.
Protein Absorption01:12

Protein Absorption

Proteins in the gastrointestinal tract typically come from food, but they can also originate from disintegrated cells or secreted enzymes. In the stomach, the enzyme pepsin breaks down these proteins into polypeptides. The fragments then move into the duodenum as a semi-fluid mass called chyme. Pancreatic proteases, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, and intestinal brush border enzymes like carboxypeptidases further dismantle the polypeptides into tripeptides, dipeptides, and free amino acids.
Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health01:05

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...
Probiotics01:22

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
Intestinal Phase of Digestion01:29

Intestinal Phase of Digestion

The intestinal phase of digestion is the third and final stage of the digestive process, occurring after the cephalic and gastric phases. It begins when chyme, a partially digested mixture of food and digestive enzymes, enters the small intestine from the stomach. This phase is crucial for nutrient absorption and involves complex hormonal and enzymatic interactions.
The arrival of the chyme in the small intestine distends the duodenum, which triggers the enterogastric reflex. This distension...
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention01:05

Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention

Improving a drug's stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is paramount for enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Various strategies are employed to protect the drug from the harsh gastric milieu and to ensure its release and absorption at the desired site within the GI tract.Polymer coatings are one such method used to shield drugs from the stomach's acidic environment. By preventing premature drug release, these coatings improve the bioavailability of unstable...