As food is chemically digested by the stomach, the pH of the gut fluids becomes
ID: 265631 • Letter: A
Question
As food is chemically digested by the stomach, the pH of the gut fluids becomes very acidic. However, when the chyme is further processes in the small intestine, the gut fluid pH cannot remain that acidic. Explain the physiological processes that occur to chyme as it enters the duodenum to ensure that the pH in not damaging to the small intestine. As food is chemically digested by the stomach, the pH of the gut fluids becomes very acidic. However, when the chyme is further processes in the small intestine, the gut fluid pH cannot remain that acidic. Explain the physiological processes that occur to chyme as it enters the duodenum to ensure that the pH in not damaging to the small intestine.Explanation / Answer
The PH of chyme in stomach is approximately 2, the chyme emerging from the stomach is very acidic. The duodenum secretes a cholecystokinin hormone (CCK), which causes the gall bladder to contract, releasing alkaline bile into the duodenum. Cholecystokinin hormone also causes the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas. The duodenum also produces the hormone secretin to stimulate the pancreatic secretion of large amounts of sodium bicarbonate, which then raises pH of the chyme to 7. The chyme then enters the jejenum, where the useful portion of it is transformed into chyle.The duodenum is protected by a thick layer of mucus and the neutralizing actions of the sodium bicarbonate and bile.
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