What are the 2 jobs of a frog's small intestine?
The small intestine of a frog serves two main functions. First, it is responsible for the digestion of food, breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones that can be absorbed by the body. Second, it absorbs the nutrients from the digested food into the frog's bloodstream.
To understand this better, let's break down the process:
1. Digestion: The frog's small intestine contains enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and protease, that break down complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively. These enzymes help break down the food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed. The small intestine also receives digestive juices from the liver and pancreas to aid in the process.
2. Absorption: Once the food is broken down into smaller molecules, they can be easily absorbed by the small intestine's inner lining. The inner lining is covered in tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area for absorption. The villi have tiny blood vessels called capillaries, where the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Overall, the small intestine of a frog plays a vital role in breaking down food into smaller molecules and absorbing the essential nutrients needed for the frog's survival.