Lingual lipase

Definition

Lingual lipase is an enzyme secreted by glands in the mouth that begins the digestion of fats into fatty acids and glycerol. It remains active in the acidic environment of the stomach, continuing fat digestion until it reaches the small intestine.

Related terms

Enzyme: A biological molecule that significantly speeds up the rate of virtually all of the chemical reactions that take place within cells.

Digestion:

The process by which food is broken down into smaller components that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Fatty acids: Long chains of hydrocarbon molecules that are a major component of fats and are used by the body for energy and cell building