College

Which of the following is true regarding the pancreas?

A. Pancreatic juice is rich in the enzyme lipase that breaks down carbohydrates.

B. The pancreas secretes sodium bicarbonate.

C. Pancreatic juice is rich in the enzyme trypsin that breaks down carbohydrates.

D. Pancreatic juice is rich in the enzyme amylase that breaks down fat.

Answer :

Final answer:

The pancreas produces pancreatic juice containing enzymes like amylase, trypsin, and lipase along with sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate helps neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine to support digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is that the pancreas secretes sodium bicarbonate.


Explanation:

Understanding the Pancreas


The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion by producing pancreatic juice, which contains a variety of enzymes and bicarbonate. These enzymes are crucial for breaking down food components:



  • Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates.

  • Trypsin: Digests proteins.

  • Lipase: Breaks down fats.


In addition, the pancreas secretes sodium bicarbonate into the small intestine, which helps neutralize the acidic chyme from the stomach, allowing digestive enzymes to work more effectively.


Referring to the options provided:



  2. Option A is incorrect because while pancreatic juice does have lipase, it does not break down carbohydrates.

  4. Option B is correct as the pancreas secretes sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acids.

  6. Option C is incorrect because trypsin, although present in pancreatic juice, does not break down carbohydrates, but proteins.

  8. Option D is incorrect since amylase breaks down carbohydrates, not fats.


Thus, the best answer to the question regarding the pancreas is option B: The pancreas secretes sodium bicarbonate.


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