Mechanisms of Digestion and Absorption in Vertebrates

Phospholipids and bile salts emulsify fat into

small droplets with increased surface area for digestion.

Monosaccharides are transported across

intestinal epithelium into the blood.

Pancreas secretes

trypsin and chymotrypsin.

Bile salts form

micelles allowing lipids to diffuse into intestinal cells.

Mouth

: starch digestion by salivary amylase.

Fat soluble vitamins follow

pathway for fat absorption.

Small intestine enzymes

complete digestion of proteins into amino acids.

Mouth

starch digestion by salivary amylase

Most lipids are in the form of

triglycerides

Vitamins, minerals, and water

do not require complete digestion

In a typical omnivore, most carbohydrates are

polysaccharides, starch and cellulose with some monosaccharides and disaccharides