Subject:Biology
Which of the following statements relating to the pancreas is true? The pancreas releases digestive enzymes into the stomach via the pancreatic duct The pancreas releases sodium bicarbonate to neutralise the acid entering the duodenum The pancreas releases the enzyme pepsin which digests ingested protein within the small intestine The pancreas synthesises and secretes bile into the duodenum
AnswerCreated with AI
The correct statement relating to the pancreas is:
The pancreas releases sodium bicarbonate to neutralise the acid entering the duodenum
Explanation
The pancreas is a vital organ that plays essential roles in both the digestive and endocrine systems. Here's a brief explanation of each statement:
The pancreas releases digestive enzymes into the stomach via the pancreatic duct: This statement is incorrect. The pancreas does release digestive enzymes, but not into the stomach. These enzymes are released into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), not the stomach, via the pancreatic duct.
The pancreas releases sodium bicarbonate to neutralise the acid entering the duodenum: This statement is correct. The pancreas secretes sodium bicarbonate, which helps to neutralise the acidic chyme (partially digested food) that enters the duodenum from the stomach.
The pancreas releases the enzyme pepsin which digests ingested protein within the small intestine: This statement is incorrect. Pepsin is an enzyme, but it is produced by the stomach, not the pancreas. The pancreas produces other enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin that help in protein digestion in the small intestine.
The pancreas synthesises and secretes bile into the duodenum: This statement is incorrect. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not the pancreas. Bile is then released into the duodenum to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats.