Question

1)How would the pH of the intestinal contents be affected if the small intestine did not produce secretin? Explain

2)Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is a common treatment of gallstones that cause obstruction of bile flow from the gallbladder into the duodenum. a) Explain why taking vitamin supplements would be required in such case. b) List the affected vitamins. c) What adjustments to their daily routine might they have to perform in order to accommodate their loss? Explain your answer

Answer 1

1. pH of the intestinal contents will further lower if the small intestine did not produce secretin. Secretin is a peptide hormone encoded by SCT gene. SCT regulate intestinal pH by: inhibiting the gastric acid secretion from the parietal cells of the stomach and promote the bicarbonate synthesis from the ductal cells of the pancreas.

2. Gall bladder stores bile which aids digestion of fats by promoting emulsification of fat. In case of cholecystectomy,the ability to be able to digest and absorb fats and fat soluble vitamins is diminished. Absorption of vitamins affected by cholecystectomy are A, D, E, and K (fat soluble vitamins). The loss of fat souble vitamins are compensated by the multi vitamin supplement.