We eat food composed of all the nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. After digestion, these are absorbed in the form of glucose, amino
acids, fatty acids, glycerol etc. What mechanisms are involved in absorption of digested food and water?
Explain why when a person takes a concentrated solution of salt, after some time, he starts vomiting.
What is the phenomenon responsible for such situation? [5 MARKS]
Reason out : 2 Marks.
Explanation : 3 Marks
Absorption is the movement of molecules across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract into the circulatory system. Most of the end-products of digestion, along with vitamins,
minerals and water are absorbed in the small intestinal lumen by four mechanisms for absorption: (1) active transport, (2) passive diffusion, (3) endocytosis, and (4) facilitative diffusion.
When the salt concentration is higher on the outside of our cells than on the inside, water moves from the inside to the outside of the cells to correct the imbalance.
The attempt to equalize the concentrations of matter on both sides of a semipermeable membrane is called osmosis. When you consume concentrated salt water, the results of osmosis are spectacularly disastrous. In order to regain an isotonic state, a must for cell survival, the body attempts to eliminate the excess sodium from its extracellular fluids by incurring a net loss, leading to depleted body fluids, muscle cramps, dry mouth, and thirst. You are also most likely to feel nausea, weakness, and even delirium.