Question

The common bile duct and the main pancreatic duct share a common opening into the duodenum, which is controlled by a sphincter. When a gallstone forms, sometimes it moves down and gets lodged in this sphincter. As a result, secretions from the gallbladder and pancreas are blocked from entering the lumen of the duodenum. What results do you predict, specifically caused by the absence of these blocked secretions? Select all that apply. (Assume there is NO accessory pancreatic duct, as is the case for most people.)

A. Bicarbonate from the pancreas would be blocked, so the lumen in the duodenum would be a little more alkaline than normal when processing a meal.
B. Bicarbonate from the pancreas would be blocked, so the lumen in the duodenum would be a little more acidic than normal when processing a meal.
C. Enzymes would be blocked, so some foods would not be adequately digested.
D. Glucagon would be blocked, so the ability to regulate blood glucose would be reduced.
E. Insulin would be blocked, so the ability to regulate blood glucose would be reduced.
F. Bile would be blocked, so the ability to digest proteins would be reduced.
G. Bile would be blocked, so the ability to digest fats would be reduced.

Answer 1

The correct answers are options B, C and G.

Step-by-step explanation:

The digestive juices discharged from the bile duct and the pancreas takes part in the dissociation of proteins and sugars along with the emulsification of fats. Pancreas also discharge highly alkaline bicarbonate juices that elevate the pH of the duodenum. Therefore, in the absence of both of these, there will be an obstruction in the digestion of food and the pH of the duodenum will become highly acidic.

In addition to this, the bile juice also comprises bile salts, biliverdin, and bilirubin that plays an essential part in the emulsification of fats and their subsequent digestion.