Gastrointestinal Tract Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Gastrointestinal Tract Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

The major part of the aqueous component (other than water) of pancreatic juice is

  • A. mucus.
  • B. trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, and procarboxypeptidase.
  • C. bicarbonate ions.
  • D. secretin.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: bicarbonate ions. Pancreatic juice is alkaline to neutralize the acidic chyme entering the small intestine from the stomach. Bicarbonate ions are secreted by pancreatic duct cells and play a major role in maintaining the pH balance. Mucus (choice A) is produced by goblet cells and helps protect the lining of the digestive tract but is not a major component of pancreatic juice. Trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, and procarboxypeptidase (choice B) are pancreatic enzymes, not the major component of the aqueous component. Secretin (choice D) is a hormone that stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate ions but is not a component of pancreatic juice itself.