Digestive System Notes

Chemical digestion

The process of breaking down complex molecules (polymer) into smaller units (monomer).

Mechanical digestion

The physical tearing apart of macronutrients and micronutrients.

Enzymes

Proteins that facilitate chemical reactions, typically ending with the suffix -ase.

Amylase

An enzyme that breaks down starch (amylose) into glucose.

Salivary amylase

The specific amylase found in saliva that begins carbohydrate digestion in the mouth.

Proteolytic enzyme

Enzymes that break down proteins, such as pepsin/pepsinogen.

Pepsinogen

The inactive form of pepsin that must be activated, usually by hydrochloric acid.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

An acid secreted by the stomach that activates pepsinogen into pepsin.

Small intestine

The first site for the digestion of fats after they are released by the pancreas.

Pancreas

An organ that releases protease, lipase, and amylase to aid in digestion.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas.

Gallbladder

An organ that secretes bile to aid in the digestion of fats.