Answer :
Final answer:
Pancreatic juices travel through the main pancreatic duct, which merges with the common bile duct before releasing its contents into the duodenum at the hepatopancreatic ampulla for digestion.
Explanation:
Pancreatic juices are carried by the main pancreatic duct to the common bile duct to the duodenum, which is their site of action. The exocrine part of the pancreas consists of acinar cells that produce enzyme-rich pancreatic juice. This juice travels through merging ducts, culminating in the main pancreatic duct which then fuses with the common bile duct before entering the duodenum via the hepatopancreatic ampulla.
The common bile duct carries bile from the liver and gallbladder, and the pancreatic juice from the pancreas helps in the neutralization of acidic chyme, and in digestion through its enzymes. The release of these substances into the small intestine is regulated by the smooth muscle sphincter of the hepatopancreatic ampulla. Additionally, bile secreted when digestion is not taking place can be stored in the gallbladder for later use, ultimately entering the duodenum through the same common bile duct when needed.