Final answer:
The pancreas secretes bicarbonate that neutralizes the acidic chyme and enzymes for digestion. Bicarbonate from the pancreas helps raise the pH in the small intestine for optimal enzyme activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pancreas secretes bicarbonate that neutralizes the acidic chyme and a variety of enzymes for the digestion of protein and carbohydrates. When the chyme from the stomach enters the small intestine, it is highly acidic due to the presence of hydrochloric acid. Bicarbonate from the pancreas helps to raise the pH and create an alkaline environment for the enzymes to work effectively