Answer :
Final answer:
The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and secretes sodium bicarbonate to neutralize gastric acid. Among the options, the correct statement is that the pancreas secretes sodium bicarbonate. Other options regarding the functions of enzymes were incorrectly stated.
Explanation:
Understanding the Role of the Pancreas
The pancreas performs critical functions in the digestive system. It secretes pancreatic juice, which contains several important enzymes and sodium bicarbonate.
Let's analyze the options given in the question:
- A. Pancreatic juice is rich in the enzyme lipase that breaks down carbohydrates. Incorrect. Lipase is actually responsible for breaking down fats, not carbohydrates.
- B. The pancreas secretes sodium bicarbonate. Correct. The pancreas releases sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the gastric acid in the small intestine, creating a suitable environment for digestive enzymes to function.
- C. Pancreatic juice is rich in the enzyme trypsin that breaks down carbohydrates. Incorrect. Trypsin is an enzyme that digests proteins, not carbohydrates.
- D. Pancreatic juice is rich in the enzyme amylase that breaks down fat. Incorrect. Amylase actually breaks down carbohydrates, while lipase is the enzyme that breaks down fats.
Therefore, the best answer is B. The pancreas secretes sodium bicarbonate.
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