High School

Dr. Lorraine explains to Mr. Volpe that H. pylori decreases the buffering effect in his duodenum. How does the duodenum buffer the acidic gastric chyme?

a. By secreting pepsin
b. By releasing gastrin
c. By producing bile
d. By releasing bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice

Answer :

Final answer:

The duodenum buffers acidic gastric chyme using bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice and bile to neutralize the acidity for proper digestion. Thus the option (d) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

The duodenum buffers the acidic gastric chyme by releasing bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice. In the presence of acidic chyme, secretin stimulates the pancreas to produce alkaline bicarbonate solution and deliver it to the duodenum, helping to neutralize the acidity for efficient digestion. Additionally, bile released by the gallbladder also aids in reducing the acidity of chyme entering from the stomach, creating a neutral environment for digestive enzymes to work effectively.