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Which of the following descriptions best matches the term duodenal ampulla?

a) Stimulates pancreas to secrete bicarbonate-rich fluid
b) Carries absorbed sugars and amino acids
c) Stimulates gastric secretion
d) Where pancreatic juice and bile enter duodenum

User Cesans
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The duodenal ampulla is the point in the duodenum where pancreatic juice and bile are released from the pancreas and gallbladder, respectively, regulated by the sphincter of Oddi.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term duodenal ampulla, also known as the hepatopancreatic ampulla or ampulla of Vater, is most accurately described by option d) Where pancreatic juice and bile enter duodenum. This structure is located in the wall of the duodenum and marks the point where the bile duct and the main pancreatic duct join before releasing their contents into the small intestine. The flow of bile and pancreatic juice is regulated by the hepatopancreatic sphincter, also known as the sphincter of Oddi.

The exocrine portion of the pancreas forms enzyme-rich pancreatic juice which contains bicarbonate to neutralize the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. This pancreatic juice is delivered to the duodenum through the pancreatic ducts. Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, is also crucial in fat digestion and is released into the duodenum through the common bile duct, which joins the main pancreatic duct at the duodenal ampulla.

User AdrianoRR
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