Question

The pancreas aids in the chemical digestion of food by

a. releasing digestive enzymes and bicarbonate ions into the duodenum
b. mechanically digesting the chyme as it leaves the stomach
c. producing mucin that lubricates the small intestine
d. producing and releasing gastrin into the stomach
e. producing chylomicrons

Answer 1

The pancreas helps in chemical digestion by releasing digestive enzymes and bicarbonate ions into the duodenum, neutralizing stomach acidity and breaking down nutrients.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pancreas aids in the chemical digestion of food by releasing digestive enzymes and bicarbonate ions into the duodenum. The digestive enzymes are crucial in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, while the bicarbonate ions help neutralize the acidity of chyme arriving from the stomach, creating a more alkaline environment favorable for enzyme activity in the small intestine.

The pancreas produces pancreatic juice that contains these digestive enzymes and bicarbonate ions, which are transported through ducts to the small intestine. Here, in the duodenum, the pancreatic juice works in conjunction with bile from the gallbladder and the liver to further digest food. Hormones like secretin and cholecystokinin (CCK) regulate the release of these substances to efficiently carry out digestion.