The main types of pancreatic enzymes are amylase, lipase, and proteases (including trypsin and chymotrypsin).
How does amylase function in digestion?
Amylase breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars like maltose and glucose, facilitating easier absorption in the intestines.
What role does lipase play in the body?
Lipase aids in breaking down dietary fats into fatty acids and glycerol, which can be absorbed by the intestines.
Which pancreatic enzymes are involved in protein digestion?
The pancreatic enzymes involved in protein digestion are trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidase.
How does the pancreas regulate enzyme activation?
The pancreas produces enzymes in inactive forms and secretes them into the small intestine, where they are activated to prevent autodigestion.
What is the role of bicarbonates in pancreatic function?
Bicarbonates neutralize stomach acids in the small intestine, creating an optimal pH for pancreatic enzymes to function properly.
How do pancreatic enzymes enter the digestive tract?
Pancreatic enzymes enter the digestive tract through the pancreatic duct, which merges with the common bile duct to release contents into the small intestine.
What is the role of trypsin in digestion?
Trypsin cleaves peptide bonds, breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, and activates other enzymes.
Why is enzyme supplementation necessary in pancreatic insufficiency?
In pancreatic insufficiency, the pancreas doesn't produce enough enzymes, so supplements are given to aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
How does chymotrypsin differ from trypsin?
Chymotrypsin prefers aromatic amino acids like phenylalanine and tyrosine, while trypsin preferentially cleaves basic amino acids such as arginine and lysine.
What is the consequence of deficient lipase production?
Deficient lipase leads to malabsorption of fats, causing symptoms like steatorrhea, weight loss, and deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
What stimulates the pancreas to release digestive enzymes?
The hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), released by the small intestine, stimulates the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes.
How do proteolytic enzymes avoid digesting the pancreas itself?
Proteolytic enzymes are produced as inactive precursors. They're activated in the intestine, preventing self-digestion of pancreatic tissue.
What happens to enzyme secretion during pancreatitis?
During pancreatitis, inflammation inhibits enzyme secretion, leading to digestive issues and potentially activating enzymes within the pancreas.
Why is the enteropeptidase enzyme important?
Enteropeptidase activates trypsinogen to trypsin in the small intestine, initiating the cascade of protein digestion.