Which organ secretes sodium bicarbonate to help neutralize stomach acid in the digestive tract?

Prepare for the Leaving Certificate Digestion Test with engaging questions and explanations. Ready yourself with multiple choice quizzes, hints, and deep insights. Be exam-ready now!

Multiple Choice

Which organ secretes sodium bicarbonate to help neutralize stomach acid in the digestive tract?

Explanation:
Neutralizing stomach acid as chyme enters the small intestine relies on bicarbonate secreted by the pancreas. The pancreas releases a bicarbonate-rich fluid into the small intestine, which raises the pH of the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. This buffering creates a more neutral environment for the digestive enzymes to work effectively. The bicarbonate release is stimulated by secretin in response to the acidity of the chyme. The liver and gallbladder handle bile, not bicarbonate buffering, and the stomach itself produces acid, not bicarbonate.

Neutralizing stomach acid as chyme enters the small intestine relies on bicarbonate secreted by the pancreas. The pancreas releases a bicarbonate-rich fluid into the small intestine, which raises the pH of the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. This buffering creates a more neutral environment for the digestive enzymes to work effectively. The bicarbonate release is stimulated by secretin in response to the acidity of the chyme. The liver and gallbladder handle bile, not bicarbonate buffering, and the stomach itself produces acid, not bicarbonate.

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