High School

Which of the following is an effect of secretin on the pancreas?

A. The pancreas is inhibited from releasing pancreatic juice.
B. The pancreas releases more enzymes in the pancreatic juice.
C. The pancreas releases more bicarbonate in the pancreatic juice.
D. The pancreas releases more hydrochloric acid in the pancreatic juice.

Answer :

Secretin stimulates (c) the pancreas releases more bicarbonate in the pancreatic juice to neutralize acidic chyme.

This helps in maintaining an optimal environment for digestive enzymes in the duodenum. When acidic chyme enters the duodenum, it stimulates the release of the hormone secretin. Secretin's primary effect on the pancreas is to stimulate the secretion of bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice. This bicarbonate helps to neutralize the acidic chyme entering the duodenum from the stomach, ensuring an optimal environment for digestive enzymes to function effectively.