Assignment # 02

Submitted by:
Zoya Tahir
NUML-S22-24400
Submitted to:
Ms. Madiha Imtiaz
BS-II Psychology
Department of Applied Psychology
Faculty of Social Sciences
NUML, Rawalpindi
Date: 21st December 2022.
 Case Study 1

Question 01:
How are carbohydrates and proteins normally processed by the digestive system?
Answer:
Carbohydrates and proteins are digested in the intestine, where they are broken down into
their basic units:
 Carbohydrates into sugars
 Proteins into amino acids
The body uses these basic units to build substances it needs for growth, maintenance, and
activity (included other carbohydrates and proteins)

Carbohydrates:
Depending on the size of the molecule, carbohydrates may be simple or complex.
 Simple carbohydrates: Various forms of sugar, such as fructose (fruit sugar) and
sucrose (table sugar), are simple carbohydrates. They are small molecules, so they can
be broken down and absorbed by the body quickly and are the quickest source of
energy. They quickly increase the level of blood glucose (blood sugar).
o Example: Fruits, dairy products, honey, and maple syrup contain large
amounts of simple carbohydrates, which provide the sweet taste in most
candies and cakes.

 Complex carbohydrates: These carbohydrates are composed of long strings of

simple carbohydrates. Because complex carbohydrates are larger molecules than
simple carbohydrates, they must be broken down into simple carbohydrates before
they can be absorbed. Thus, they tend to provide energy to the body more slowly
than simple carbohydrates but still more quickly than protein or fat. Because
they are digested more slowly than simple carbohydrates, they are less likely to be
converted to fat. They also increase blood sugar levels more slowly and to lower
levels than simple carbohydrates but for a longer time.
o Example: Complex carbohydrates include starches and fibers, which occur
in wheat products (such as breads and pastas), other grains (such as rye and
corn), beans, and root vegetables (such as potatoes and sweet potatoes).

 Carbohydrates may be refined or unrefined

Proteins:
The body needs protein to maintain and replace tissues and to function and grow. Protein is
not usually used for energy. Proteins consist of units called amino acids, strung together in
complex formations. Because proteins are complex molecules, the body takes longer to break
them down. As a result, they are a much slower and longer-lasting source of energy than
carbohydrates.
Question 02:
How would damage to the villi of the small intestine result in malnourishment?
Answer:
If villi are destroyed, you may become malnourished, no matter how much you eat. This is
because you aren't able to absorb nutrients. Complications of the disorder include anemia,
seizures, joint pain, thinning bones, and cancer.

Question 03:
What are other diagnostic tools used in gastroenterology, and what types of disorders
can they identify?
Answer:
1. Lower GI (gastrointestinal) series (also called barium enema):
 A lower GI series is a test that examines the rectum, the large intestine, and the lower
part of the small intestine. Barium is given into the rectum as an enema.

Types of disorders it can identify: An X-ray of the abdomen shows strictures (narrowed
areas), obstructions (blockages), and other problems.
2. Radioisotope gastric-emptying scan:
 During this test, the patient eats food containing a radioisotope, which is a slightly
radioactive substance that will show up on a scan. The dosage of radiation from the
radioisotope is very small and not harmful, but allows the radiologist to see the food
in the stomach and how quickly it leaves the stomach, while the patient lies under a
machine.
What can be diagnosed by using this: It can be used to see if a digestive problem
like gastroparesis is causing the stomach to retain food.
3. Capsule endoscopy:
 A capsule endoscopy helps healthcare providers examine the small intestine,
because traditional procedures, such as an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy,
cannot reach this part of the bowel. A sensor device is placed on a patient's
abdomen and a PillCam is swallowed.
 Used to identify: This procedure is helpful in identifying causes of bleeding,
detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, and tumors of the small
intestine.
4. Gastric manometry:
 This test measures electrical and muscular activity in the stomach. The healthcare
provider passes a thin tube down the patient's throat into the stomach.
 Helps to identify: This helps show how the stomach is working, and if there is any
delay in digestion.
5. Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series (also called barium swallow): Upper
GI series is a diagnostic test that examines the organs of the upper part of the
digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the
small intestine).

Case Study 2

Question 01:
What hormones control the level of glucose in the blood?
Answer:
The pancreas secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon. Together, they help maintain
blood sugar levels. If the level of one hormone is higher or lower than the ideal range, a
person’s blood sugar levels may rise or drop.
Insulin and glucagon work together in a balance and play a vital role in regulating a
person’s blood sugar levels. Glucagon breaks down glycogen to glucose in the liver.
Insulin enables blood glucose to enter cells, where they use it to produce energy.

Question 02:
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Answer:
The main difference between the type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 diabetes is a
genetic condition that often shows up early in life, and type 2 is mainly lifestyle-related
and develops over time. With type 1 diabetes, your immune system is attacking and
destroying the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.
Question 03:
How do feedback mechanisms help control blood glucose levels?
Answer:

Negative feedback:

If the blood glucose level is too low, the pancreas releases the hormone glucagon. This
travels to the liver in the blood and causes the break-down of glycogen into glucose. The
glucose enters the blood stream and glucose levels increase back to normal. This is an
example of negative feedback.
Question 04:

Trace the path of the chemical message from manufacturing to its release from the
endocrine gland to its action at the target.

Answer:

The endocrine system is made up of glands that make hormones. Hormones are the body's
chemical messengers. They carry information and instructions from one set of cells to
another. The endocrine system influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our
bodies.

What Does the Endocrine System Do?

 Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. This lets the hormones
travel to cells in other parts of the body.
 The endocrine hormones help control mood, growth and development, the way our
organs work, metabolism, and reproduction.

Circulation:

This is how Hormones Reach and Target particular Cells. Endocrine glands secrete
hormones directly into the bloodstream. The hormones dissolve in plasma and travel the
circulatory pathways through various body tissues.