Flashcard on the Human Digestive System

Front

What is salivary amylase?

Back

Salivary amylase is an enzyme produced in the salivary glands that begins the digestion of carbohydrates by breaking down starches into simpler sugars.

Front

What substance do humans have difficulty digesting with salivary amylase?

Back

Humans have difficulty digesting lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins with salivary amylase, as it specifically targets carbohydrates.

Front

What is the primary function of gastric glands?

Back

The primary function of gastric glands is to produce gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes.

Front

Which enzyme is responsible for the digestion of fats in the stomach?

Back

Lipase is the enzyme responsible for the digestion of fats in the stomach.

Front

What enzyme helps break down protein in the stomach?

Back

Pepsin is the enzyme that helps break down proteins in the stomach.

Front

What is the enzyme in your mouth responsible for the initial digestion of carbohydrates?

Back

Ptyalin is the enzyme in the mouth that initiates the digestion of carbohydrates.

Front

What is the role of lipase in digestion?

Back

Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol during digestion.

Front

What is the function of pepsin?

Back

Pepsin is an enzyme that digests proteins into smaller peptides in the acidic environment of the stomach.

Front

Where is bile produced and what is its function?

Back

Bile is produced in the liver and its function is to emulsify fats, aiding in their digestion.

Front

What is the significance of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice?

Back

Hydrochloric acid in gastric juice creates an acidic environment that activates pepsin and helps kill bacteria.