science (digestive system)

• Enzymes


  Catalysts that speed up specific chemical reactions in the body, working optimally under specific conditions.
• Amylase

  Breaks down carbohydrates like starch into simpler sugars
• Lipase

  Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol
• Pepsin

  Breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids in the stomach
• Lactase

  Breaks down lactose (a sugar in milk) into glucose and galactose
• Mouth


  The start of the digestive system where food is broken down by teeth and mixed with saliva containing amylase.
• Esophagus


  A muscular tube that moves food through peristalsis into the stomach after swallowing.
• Stomach


  A sac-like organ that secretes gastric juices containing pepsin and hydrochloric acid to break down proteins and kill bacteria.
• Large intestine (colon)


  A tube where water and electrolytes are absorbed, and the microbiome breaks down remaining nutrients, producing vitamins, before waste is eliminated from the body.
• Small intestine


  A long, thin tube where pancreatic juices containing amylase and other enzymes break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Hydrochloric acid (HCl)


  A strong acid produced in the stomach to help digest proteins and maintain an acidic environment.
• Lactic acid


  An acid produced by muscle cells during intense exercise or glycogen depletion to maintain muscle pH and replenish ATP.
• Stomach Digestion

  Gastric secretions (amylase, lipase, pepsin, HCl) break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into simple substances with mechanical breakdown by muscular contractions and gastric juices