What Does the Pancreas Do?
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
5. Bicarbonate
Bicarbonate may not be an enzyme but, being a base, it necessary for neutralizing gastric acid. Once gastric acid has carried out its digestive roles, it must be neutralized so that it does not cause injury to the intestinal walls. Unlike the stomach walls, intestinal walls are not protected against this injury.
Therefore, an enzyme named secretin is released from the duodenum in response to acid entering the stomach. Its action on the pancreas is the release of fluid high in bicarbonate.
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