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Cholecystokinin (CCK)

subtopiceasy~8 min study14 MCQ

Details the gastrointestinal hormone that stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and the contraction of the gallbladder to release bile.

Practice 10 questionsBack to syllabus~15 min · 14 questions in the bank

What is Cholecystokinin (CCK)?

A gastrointestinal hormone produced by the small intestine that stimulates the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile, and promotes satiety.

Key points

  • Identify the source and stimulus for CCK release.
  • Describe the primary functions of CCK in digestion.
  • Explain the role of CCK in fat digestion.
  • Differentiate CCK's actions from other gastrointestinal hormones.

Common exam trap

Confusing CCK's role with secretin (which primarily stimulates bicarbonate secretion from the pancreas).

Definitions

Term

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Meaning

A gastrointestinal hormone produced by the small intestine that stimulates the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile, and promotes satiety.

Term

Bile

Meaning

A digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.

Term

Pancreatic enzymes

Meaning

Digestive enzymes (like amylase, lipase, proteases) secreted by the pancreas to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Learning objectives

  • Identify the source and stimulus for CCK release.

  • Describe the primary functions of CCK in digestion.

  • Explain the role of CCK in fat digestion.

  • Differentiate CCK's actions from other gastrointestinal hormones.

Prerequisites

  • Digestive system anatomy (stomach, small intestine, pancreas, gallbladder, liver).

  • Basic understanding of enzyme function.

  • Hormonal regulation concepts.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing CCK's role with secretin (which primarily stimulates bicarbonate secretion from the pancreas).

  • Forgetting that both fats and proteins stimulate CCK release.

  • Not understanding the dual action on pancreas and gallbladder.

Keywords

  • Cholecystokinin

  • CCK

  • Gastrointestinal hormone

  • Pancreas

  • Gallbladder

  • Bile

  • Digestive enzymes

  • Fat digestion

  • Duodenum

  • Satiety

Practice preview

  • Which of the following hormones primarily stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and the contraction of the gallbladder?

    easy

  • The release of Cholecystokinin (CCK) is primarily triggered by the presence of which substances in the duodenum?

    easy

  • Consider the following statements regarding gastrointestinal hormones: (A) Secretin primarily stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes. (B) Gastrin stimulates the secretion of HCl and pepsinogen in the stomach. (C)

    medium