Verdauungsflüssigkeit

Verdauungsflüssigkeit refers to the various fluids produced by the body to aid in the digestion of food. These liquids are crucial for breaking down complex food molecules into smaller, absorbable nutrients. The primary digestive fluids include saliva, gastric juice, pancreatic juice, bile, and intestinal juice.

Saliva, produced by salivary glands, begins the digestive process in the mouth. It contains enzymes like amylase, which starts carbohydrate breakdown, and lipase, which initiates fat digestion. Saliva also lubricates food, making it easier to swallow.

Gastric juice, secreted by the stomach lining, is highly acidic due to hydrochloric acid. This acidity kills harmful bacteria and activates pepsin, an enzyme that digests proteins. The stomach's churning action further mixes food with gastric juice, forming a semi-liquid mixture called chyme.

Pancreatic juice is produced by the pancreas and contains a wide array of digestive enzymes. These include amylase for carbohydrates, lipase for fats, and proteases like trypsin for proteins. Pancreatic juice also contains bicarbonate, which neutralizes the acidic chyme entering the small intestine from the stomach.

Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, is essential for fat digestion. Bile salts emulsify fats, breaking large fat globules into smaller droplets, which increases the surface area for lipase to act upon.

Intestinal juice, secreted by the walls of the small intestine, contains enzymes that complete the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These fluids work in concert to ensure that nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by the body.