What structures aid in digesting carbohydrates?

Several structures aid in digesting carbohydrates:

1. Mouth: The process of carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth. The enzyme amylase, which is produced by the salivary glands, breaks down complex carbohydrates into smaller molecules like dextrins and maltose.

2. Pancreas: The pancreas secretes enzymes, including alpha-amylase, that further break down carbohydrates into smaller sugars. Alpha-amylase continues the process started in the mouth and helps break down carbohydrates in the small intestine.

3. Small Intestine: The small intestine is where most carbohydrate digestion occurs. Here, the pancreas releases more enzymes like maltase, sucrase, and lactase. These enzymes break down specific carbohydrates:

- Maltase: Converts maltose (formed from the breakdown of starch) into glucose.

- Sucrase: Breaks down sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose.

- Lactase: Digests lactose (sugar found in milk and dairy products) into glucose and galactose.

4. Intestinal Villi and Microvilli: The small intestine has numerous finger-like projections called villi that increase its surface area for absorption of nutrients. Each villus is lined with microvilli, which are microscopic projections that further enhance the absorptive capacity of the small intestine.

5. Brush Border Enzymes: The brush border is a layer of enzymes that are present on the surface of the intestinal villi. These enzymes include lactase, sucrase, and maltase, which are involved in the final digestion of carbohydrates into simple sugars.

Through these structures and the action of different enzymes, carbohydrates are broken down into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose) that can be efficiently absorbed and utilized by the body for energy and other metabolic processes.