This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1910 Excerpt: ...are reunited to fat globules during absorption. THE ABSORPTION AND ASSIMILATION OF CARBOHYDRATES. The starches, it will be recalled, have been successively broken down in their passage through the alimentary tract from their original form to dextrins, then to maltose and finally to dextrose. Small amounts of each of ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1910 Excerpt: ...are reunited to fat globules during absorption. THE ABSORPTION AND ASSIMILATION OF CARBOHYDRATES. The starches, it will be recalled, have been successively broken down in their passage through the alimentary tract from their original form to dextrins, then to maltose and finally to dextrose. Small amounts of each of these substances can be absorbed from the stomach provided their concentration exceeds 5 per cent, but such absorption is insignificant in normal digestion. The greatest portion of the carbohydrates are absorbed in the small intestines in the form of dextrose. Attention should be directed to the fact that all carbohydrates are not first changed to dextrose before absorption starts. Digestion and absorption go hand in hand. In fact, the carbohydrates are more readily absorbed in weaker than in higher concentrations, so it is probable, that, as soon as some dextrose forms, it is absorbed. Not all of the dextrose formed by digestive action is absorbed. A portion is further acted on by bacteria, which, by their fermenting enzymes, split it into still simpler compounds, such as formic and acetic acids, carbon dioxid and water and small amounts of alcohol. These substances are not normally absorbed to any extent but are useful in several ways. They are irritating and thus stimulate intestinal peristalsis. The gases formed keep the intestines distended which allows food to pass more readily and, also serves as a buffer to reduce and disseminate the force of blows. Aside from enzymes acting on dextrose, bacteria also possess those that attack cellulose. Altogether, then, it appears that these organisms, in part at least, pay for their board. The steps by which dextrose enters the blood through the villi may be summarized as follows: 1. It enters the cel...
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