Peptic digestion is a process of protein decomposition that occurs in the stomach with the help of a group of enzymes called pepsins. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈpɛptɪk dɪˈdʒɛstʃən/. The letters "pt" followed by the letter "k" create an unusual cluster of consonants, which is pronounced as a single sound (represented by the phonetic symbol "ptʰ"). The "i" before "c" serves as a connecting vowel between the two consonants. The final "ion" is pronounced with a slight stress on the second-to-last syllable.
Peptic digestion is the process of breaking down food proteins into smaller, more manageable units through the action of digestive enzymes in the stomach. It is a crucial step in the overall process of digestion, facilitating the absorption of nutrients and the extraction of energy from consumed food.
During peptic digestion, the chief enzyme involved is pepsin, which is secreted by the gastric glands in the stomach. Pepsin is activated in an acidic environment and works by cleaving proteins into smaller polypeptides. The stomach's hydrochloric acid helps create the optimal pH for pepsin activation and enzymatic activity, ensuring the efficiency of protein breakdown.
Peptic digestion primarily targets proteins, which are complex molecules made up of amino acids. As pepsin breaks these proteins apart, it plays a vital role in converting dietary proteins into amino acids, which can be readily absorbed by the small intestine. This absorption is facilitated by specialized cells that line the intestinal wall.
Overall, peptic digestion is a critical component of the digestive process, preparing proteins for further enzymatic breakdown and facilitating their absorption into the bloodstream. Without peptic digestion, the body would struggle to extract essential amino acids from consumed proteins and might not access the nutrients necessary for growth, repair, and overall bodily functions.
Gastric d.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "peptic digestion" is composed of two elements: "peptic" and "digestion".
The term "peptic" originates from the Greek word "peptikos", which means "concerning digestion" or "capable of digestion". This comes from the Greek word "peptein", meaning "to digest".
The word "digestion" has its roots in the Latin word "digestio", derived from the verb "digestus", which means "to distribute or dissolve".
Therefore, "peptic digestion" refers to the process of digestion, specifically the breakdown of food in the stomach by the action of pepsin and other digestive enzymes.