Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 93%

What is the function of sodium bicarbonate released by the pancreas?

Rationale

Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the acidity of chyme.

The pancreas secretes sodium bicarbonate into the small intestine during digestion. This bicarbonate is a base that reacts with the acid in chyme, neutralizing it. This neutralization is vital because it creates an optimal pH environment for the digestive enzymes in the small intestine to function.

A (Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the acidity of chyme.) CORRECT

This is the correct answer. The acidic chyme that enters the small intestine from the stomach is neutralized by the bicarbonate ions in the pancreatic secretions. This is crucial for digestive enzymes in the small intestine, which require a near-neutral pH to function properly.

B (Sodium bicarbonate stimulates the protease that digests carbonates.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement is incorrect. Sodium bicarbonate does not stimulate protease nor does it digest carbonates. Its primary function is to neutralize stomach acid, not to activate or influence protease enzymes.

C (Sodium bicarbonate inhibits peristalsis.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement is incorrect. Sodium bicarbonate has no role in inhibiting or influencing peristalsis, which is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the digestive tract that propels food through it.

D (Sodium bicarbonate stimulates the protease.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement is incorrect. Sodium bicarbonate does not stimulate protease. Proteases are activated by different mechanisms, but the role of sodium bicarbonate is to neutralize the acid in chyme, not to stimulate enzymes.

Conclusion

The primary function of the sodium bicarbonate released by the pancreas is to neutralize the acidity of the chyme that comes from the stomach. This action helps create the right pH environment in the small intestine for the functioning of digestive enzymes. The other choices, involving stimulation of protease or inhibition of peristalsis, are not functions of sodium bicarbonate.

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