Hello everyone! In this study material, I’ve compiled easy-to-follow notes for Module 4: Digestive and Excretory Systems from the First Semester B.Sc. Zoology (Calicut University) syllabus. This unit explains how the digestive system breaks down food for absorption and how the excretory system removes metabolic wastes and maintains fluid balance. The topics have been written in a concise and exam-oriented format, following the University pattern.
If you find these notes useful share them with your classmates and let me know if you’d like anything in the comment section
What’s Covered in This Study Material?
✅ Structural Organisation and Functions of the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT)
–Overview of the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines.
– Role of digestive juices and enzymes in mechanical and chemical digestion.
✅ Associated Glands
– Structure and functions of the salivary glands, liver, and pancreas.
– Composition and importance of saliva, bile, and pancreatic juice in digestion.
✅ Hormonal Control of Digestion
– Role of hormones such as gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and enterogastrone in regulating digestive secretions and motility.
✅ Nutrition in Pregnancy
– Nutritional requirements during pregnancy: importance of proteins, calcium, folic acid, and vitamins.
– Role of balanced diet in foetal growth and maternal health.
✅ Nutritional Disorders
– Causes, symptoms, and physiological effects of:
Cachexia, Bulimia nervosa, Anorexia nervosa, and Obesity
✅ Gastrointestinal Disturbances
– Mechanisms and causes of flatulence, peptic ulcer, vomiting, and hiccups.
– Physiological basis and reflex control of these processes.
✅ Ornithine (Urea) Cycle
– Stepwise conversion of toxic ammonia into urea in the liver.
– Enzymes involved and significance of detoxification.
✅ Juxtaglomerular Apparatus (JGA)
– Structure and function; role in secretion of renin and regulation of blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).
✅ Urine Formation and Counter-Current Mechanism
– Detailed stages: glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, secretion, and concentration of urine.
– Function of loop of Henle and vasa recta in maintaining osmotic balance.
✅ Hormonal and Enzymatic Control of Urine Formation
– Role of ADH, aldosterone, angiotensin II, and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in regulating kidney function and fluid balance.
✅ Role of Kidney in Osmoregulation
– Mechanisms maintaining water and salt balance, acid-base equilibrium, and homeostasis.
✅ Abnormal Constituents of Human Urine and Their Significance
– Glycosuria, Albuminuria, Hematuria, Ketonuria, Hemoglobinuria, Uremia , and Pyuria
Why is this Topic Important?
You can expect questions such as:
📌 Explain the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract.
📌 Describe the hormonal control of digestion and the role of associated glands.
📌 Discuss nutrition in pregnancy and related disorders.
📌 Write short notes on cachexia, obesity, and anorexia nervosa.
📌 Describe the ornithine cycle and its physiological significance.
📌 Explain the structure and function of the juxtaglomerular apparatus.
📌 Outline the process of urine formation and the counter-current mechanism.
📌 Mention abnormal constituents of urine and their clinical importance.
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