Physiology · Digestive System · Easy
Lipase
Meaning: An enzyme, mainly from the pancreas, that breaks dietary fats down into fatty acids and glycerol.
In practice: Serum lipase is more specific than amylase when assessing pancreatitis.
Quick check
Two questions on related physiology words.
Which word means: The main male sex hormone, produced mainly in the testes, that drives muscle growth, libido and sperm production.
Answer: Testosterone
Which word means: The breakdown of stored triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol to release energy.
Answer: Lipolysis
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