Objectives 60 & 61: Chemical forms that major food classes are absorbed and pancreatic juices

State the chemical forms in which the major food classes are absorbed and describing enzymatic and bicarbonate content of pancreatic juices.

This sheet from the Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Manual** gave a thorough description of how the major food classes were broken down into chemical forms for absorption.  In addition to the chart shown here, lab exercises were done to increase understanding of how the foods were broken down and what organs played a mjor part in making that happen.  In addition, the chart also highlights the pancreatic enzymes that play a part in digestion of these food sources such as pancreatic amylase that works to breakdown carbohydrates, Trypsin that works to break down proteins, pancreatic lipase that works on fats, and pancreatic ribonuclease and deoxyribnuclease that breakdown amino acids.  All of these enzymes are secreted from the pancreas in an inactive form and are activated in the small intestine.

Nurse's Note: Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are considered macronutrients because our body requries these food sources in large amounts in order to function properly.  Carbohydrates are the body's major source of energy and the only source that the central nervous system can use.  Proteins fuel and build muscle while fat offers additional energy and protection of the organs.