Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Definition

Cholecystokinin is a hormone produced by the cells of the small intestine in response to the presence of fats and proteins, which stimulates the digestion of lipids and proteins by inducing bile release from the gallbladder and enzyme secretion from the pancreas. It also slows down gastric emptying, helping in the efficient digestion of nutrients.

Related terms

Lipid metabolism: The biochemical process involving the synthesis and breakdown of lipids in the body, crucial for energy production and cell structure maintenance.

Gallbladder:

A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine to aid in lipid digestion when stimulated by hormones like cholecystokinin.

Pancreatic enzymes: Enzymes produced by the pancreas that play key roles in digesting proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in the small intestine