High School

The aqueous pancreatic juice:

a. is secreted by the pancreatic islets.

b. contains H₃⁻.

c. is released primarily in response to cholecystokinin.

d. passes directly into the blood.

e. All of these are correct.

Answer :

The aqueous pancreatic juice c. is released primarily in response to cholecystokinin.

Pancreatic juice, produced by the exocrine cells of the pancreas, contains enzymes like amylase, lipase, and proteases that aid in digestion.

Additionally, it contains bicarbonate ions (HCO3⁻) to neutralize acidic chyme from the stomach.

This juice is released into the duodenum in response to cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone stimulated by the presence of food in the small intestine, particularly fats and proteins.

CCK triggers the pancreas to release its enzymes and bicarbonate ions into the digestive tract, facilitating the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

This process is crucial for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, highlighting the coordinated role of pancreatic secretion in digestive physiology.