Question

Which of the following is true regarding the pancreas? A. Pancreatic juice is rich in the enzyme lipase that breaks down carbohydrates. B. Pancreatic juice is rich in the enzyme amylase that breaks down fat. C. The pancreas secretes sodium bicarbonate. D. Pancreatic juice is rich in the enzyme trypsin that breaks down carbohydrates.

Answer 1

Option (c) is correct.

Pancreatic juices consist primarily of water, NaCl (salt), and NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate). The purpose of the sodium bicarbonate is to neutralize the high acidity of the food plus stomach acid raising it to an alkaline pH of 7-8.2.