Answer :
Final answer:
The exocrine gland of the pancreas secretes digestive juices high in bicarbonate and enzymes for digestion through the pancreatic duct, which joins the common bile duct just before emptying into the small intestine. A smaller accessory duct may also be involved in this process.
Explanation:
The part of the pancreas you are referring to is known as the exocrine gland, which is responsible for secreting digestive juices through the pancreatic duct. This glandular function is vital for digestion as it helps neutralize the acidic chyme that comes from the stomach. Pancreatic juices, high in bicarbonate act as an alkali, and the variety of enzymes present assist in the digestion of proteins and carbohydrates. The exocrine pancreas includes acini which produce these juices that travel through a network of ducts to reach the duodenum.
The major pancreatic duct fuses with the common bile duct to form the hepatopancreatic ampulla which is controlled by a sphincter allowing the release of bile and pancreatic juice into the small intestine. An additional smaller accessory duct, known as the duct of Santorini, may also be present and empty directly into the duodenum.