Digestion of Fats definitions Flashcards
Digestion of Fats definitions
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Triglyceride A lipid molecule composed of glycerol bound to three fatty acids, serving as the main form of dietary and stored fat in the body. Monoglyceride A lipid molecule consisting of glycerol attached to a single fatty acid, produced during fat digestion. Free Fatty Acid A hydrocarbon chain released from triglycerides during digestion, available for absorption or energy use. Lipase An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoglycerides. Lingual Lipase An enzyme secreted by the tongue that initiates fat digestion in the mouth. Gastric Lipase An enzyme produced in the stomach that continues the chemical digestion of triglycerides. Pancreatic Lipase A digestive enzyme released by the pancreas into the small intestine, crucial for breaking down dietary fats. Bile A digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, essential for emulsifying fats in the small intestine. Emulsification The process by which large fat droplets are broken into smaller droplets, increasing surface area for enzyme action. Micelle A spherical complex of bile salts and digested lipids that facilitates absorption into enterocytes. Chylomicron A lipoprotein particle formed in enterocytes that transports dietary lipids through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream. Lipoprotein A spherical structure composed of lipids and proteins, responsible for transporting fats in blood and lymph. Enterocyte An absorptive cell lining the small intestine, responsible for taking up digested nutrients including lipids. Lacteal A specialized lymphatic capillary in the small intestine that absorbs chylomicrons and transports them to the bloodstream. Adipose Tissue A connective tissue where triglycerides are stored for long-term energy reserves.
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