Summarizing Digestive System Processes

Summary

Digestion begins with ingestion, where the food is taken in the mouth. Digestion and absorption take place in a series of steps with special enzymes playing important roles in digesting carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Elimination describes removal of undigested food contents and waste products from the body. While most absorption occurs in the small intestines, the large intestine is responsible for the final removal of water that remains after the absorptive process of the small intestines. The cells that line the large intestine absorb some vitamins as well as any leftover salts and water. The large intestine (colon) is also where feces is formed.

Glossary

aminopeptidase

protease that breaks down peptides to single amino acids; secreted by the brush border of small intestine

carboxypeptidase

protease that breaks down peptides to single amino acids; secreted by the brush border of the small intestine

chylomicron

small lipid globule

chymotrypsin

pancreatic protease

digestion

mechanical and chemical break down of food into small organic fragments

dipeptidase

protease that breaks down peptides to single amino acids; secreted by the brush border of small intestine

elastase

pancreatic protease

ingestion

act of taking in food

lactase

enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose

maltase

enzyme that breaks down maltose into glucose

sucrase

enzyme that breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose

trypsin

pancreatic protease that breaks down protein