Question

Which organ secretes sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the acidity of chyme?

Answer 1

Chyme:

1. Chyme is the semi-fluid mass of partly digested food that is expelled by a person's stomach, through the pyloric valve, into the duodenum.
2. Chyme results from the mechanical and chemical breakdown of a bolus and consists of partially digested food, water, hydrochloric acid, and various digestive enzymes.
3. Thus, the chyme coming from the stomach is acidic and has to be neutralized once it enters the small intestine.

Secreted by:

1. The pancreas secretes bicarbonates, which help in neutralizing stomach acid.
2. It provides optimal pH (7.8) for enzyme activities and protects the mucosal lining of the intestine from acid.
3. This substance aids in the neutralization of stomach acid produced during digestion and the breakdown of specific enzymes.

Final answer: The pancreas secretes bicarbonates, which help in neutralizing the acidity of chyme.