Home > Health > Detail
search_icon
Question

Which of the following, do you think, would have the most severe effect on digestion: surgical removal of the stomach, gallbladder, or pancreas? why?

Answer

The surgical removal of the stomach would have the most severe effect on digestion.

  • Q:What is the function of the stomach, gallbladder, and pancreas in digestion? A:The stomach releases acid and enzymes to break down food. The gallbladder stores and releases bile to break down fats. The pancreas releases enzymes to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
  • Q:What would happen to digestion if each of these organs were surgically removed? A:Surgical removal of the stomach would severely affect the digestion of food and require the patient to eat small, frequent meals. Surgical removal of the gallbladder would make digesting fatty foods difficult and could result in diarrhea. Surgical removal of the pancreas would cause difficulty digesting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as insulin deficiency and diabetes.
  • Q:Which of these effects on digestion would be the most severe? A:The surgical removal of the stomach would have the most severe effect on digestion because the stomach plays a major role in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.