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tract

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

A tract is a bundle of nerve fibres that travel together in the central nervous system. Tracts are organized by function, and they can be classified as sensory, motor, or association tracts.

Sensory tracts carry information from the senses to the brain. Motor tracts carry information from the brain to the muscles.** Association tracts connect different parts of the brain and allow for complex thinking and behaviour.

Tracts are essential for communication and for movement. They are also important for learning and memory.

How can the word be used?

The tract of tissue was examined by the pathologist.

tract

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • a region of land or water with a particular character or use.
  • a piece of writing, especially a religious or political one, that is intended to persuade or inform.
  • a long, narrow band of tissue or muscle.

Verb:

  • to extend or stretch out.

Etymology

The word "tract" comes from the Latin word "tractus", which means "a drawing out, a pulling".

The first recorded use of the word "tract" in English was in the 14th century.

The word "tract" is a Latin word, and it is related to the Italian word "tratto" and the Spanish word "tramo".

Question

What is a tract?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the concept of a digestive tract and its role in the process of digestion. Describe the main organs that make up the digestive tract and their specific functions in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. Provide an example of how the digestive tract's structure is adapted to facilitate its functions.

Answer:

The digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal tract, is a complex system responsible for breaking down food into absorbable nutrients and eliminating waste products. It plays a crucial role in ensuring our bodies receive the necessary energy and building blocks for growth and maintenance.

The digestive tract consists of several organs, including the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Each organ has distinct functions in the digestion process. For instance, the mouth mechanically breaks down food through chewing, while the stomach secretes digestive enzymes and acids to further break down food particles. The small intestine is the primary site of nutrient absorption, and the large intestine is involved in reabsorbing water and eliminating waste.

An example of the digestive tract's structural adaptation is the presence of villi and microvilli in the small intestine. These finger-like projections increase the surface area of the intestinal lining, facilitating efficient nutrient absorption. As partially digested food passes through the small intestine, nutrients can be readily absorbed into the bloodstream, ensuring their distribution to various body cells.