Answer :
Final answer:
The bicarbonate secretion from pancreatic juice helps neutralize the acidity of the chyme in the small intestine, creating a more favorable environment for the digestive enzymes to function and protecting the small intestine from damage.
Explanation:
The bicarbonate secretion from pancreatic juice serves an important function in the digestive process. When food enters the small intestine, it is highly acidic due to the presence of stomach acid. Bicarbonate ions released from the pancreas help neutralize this acidity, creating a more favorable environment for the digestive enzymes to function.
The acidic chyme from the stomach is mixed with pancreatic juice in the small intestine. The bicarbonate ions in the pancreatic juice raise the pH level, making the chyme less acidic. This is important because the digestive enzymes in the pancreatic juice work optimally at a slightly alkaline pH.
By neutralizing the acidity, bicarbonate secretion from pancreatic juice ensures that the digestive enzymes can effectively break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in the chyme. It also helps in the absorption of nutrients by protecting the delicate tissues of the small intestine from damage caused by the acidic chyme.
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