Question

In most ethnic groups, levels of lactase in the small intestine decrease after weaning. In adulthood, consumption to too much dairy product often leads to intestinal distress (nausea, pain, diarrhea, & gas). Explain how a deficiency in the levels of lactase causes intestinal distress. (What normally happens to lactose? What happens to the lactose if lactase is isn’t present)

Describe how the features of the mucosa of the small intestine (plicae circulares, villi, microvilli) relate to the function of the small intestine

Answer 1

Deficiency in the levels of lactase causes intestinal distress. The enzyme that splits lactose into glucose & galactose is called lactase & it is located on the surface of the cells lining the small intestine rightarrow The inner surface of the jejunum, its mucous membrane is covered in projections calls villi which increase the surface area of tissue available to absorb nutrients from the gut contents. The villi in the jejunum are much longer than in the duodenum arileum. The ileum is the final section of the small intestine