Digestive System

Question 1

Explain the process of Lipid (fat) digestion

Answer 1

1) Mechanical processing and lingual lipase aids in chemical digestion in the mouth
2) Enters stomach where lingual lipase is denatured
3) Lipids enter small intestine where bile salts emulsify fats increasing their surface area
4) Pancreatic lipase digests triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol - micelles are formed
5) These are then absorbed into the small intestine

Question 2

Explain the process of protein digestion

Answer 2

1) Protein digestion begins in the stomach where pepsin digests proteins into polypeptides as it breaks the peptide bonds
2) Proteins enter the small intestine where trypsin and chymotrypsin digest polypeptides into peptides and some amino acids
3) Brush border enzymes further digest these into amino acids
4) amino acids are absorbed into the small intestine

Question 3

What is the function of the liver?

Answer 3

1) the processing of drugs and alcohol
2) Produces bile and bile salts that aid in digestion of lipids
3) Storage of glycogen and vitamins and minerals
4) excretes bilirubin