Secretion is a critical part of digestion that involves the release of digestive juices and enzymes by various organs. These substances facilitate the breakdown of food into smaller, absorbable units. Secretions are released by the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and liver, each containing specific enzymes that target different types of food molecules.
In the stomach, gastric juice, rich in hydrochloric acid and enzymes, aids protein digestion. The pancreas secretes pancreatic juice, which contains several enzymes crucial for breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The liver produces bile, a substance vital for emulsifying fats, enhancing their subsequent breakdown and absorption.