Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Test your understanding with the Anatomy and Physiology II Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to succeed. Prepare efficiently and boost your confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What gland secretes sodium bicarbonate to help neutralize the acidity of the gastric juice that enters the intestines?

Gall bladder
Liver
Pancreas
Spleen

The correct answer is: Pancreas

The pancreas is responsible for secreting sodium bicarbonate, which plays a crucial role in the digestive process. When gastric juice, which is highly acidic, enters the small intestine from the stomach, sodium bicarbonate is released into the intestinal tract. This bicarbonate neutralizes the acidity, creating a more alkaline environment that is necessary for the proper functioning of intestinal enzymes. These enzymes break down nutrients, allowing for effective digestion and absorption. The activity of the pancreas in secreting both digestive enzymes and bicarbonate is essential for maintaining the pH balance in the intestines, which ensures that the digestive process can occur without irritation to the intestinal lining. This protective mechanism is vital for the overall functionality of the digestive system.