An enzyme made in the stomach that breaks down proteins in food during digestion. Stomach acid changes a protein called pepsinogen into pepsin.

Is pepsin only found in the stomach?

Pepsin is located in the stomach and plays a major role in the breakdown of proteins. The digestion of proteins by pepsin is not complete and digestive enzymes in the small intestine finish the job of breaking down food proteins.

Where is pepsin and lipase found?

Pepsin is the primary enzyme found in gastric juice. Lipases, amylases, and proteases are secreted from the pancreas into the small intestine in response to food ingestion. These enzymes are responsible for most nutrient digestion.