pancreatic juice secretion

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The regulated release of pancreatic juice by the exocrine pancreas into the upper part of the intestine. Pancreatic juice is slightly alkaline and contains numerous enzymes and inactive enzyme precursors including alpha-amylase, chymotrypsinogen, lipase, procarboxypeptidase, proelastase, prophospholipase A2, ribonuclease, and trypsinogen. Its high concentration of bicarbonate ions helps to neutralize the acid from the stomach. [GOC:mah, ISBN:0198506732]

Pancreatic juice secretion is a complex process involving the coordinated actions of various cells, hormones, and neurotransmitters. It begins with the arrival of chyme, a mixture of partially digested food and gastric juices, in the duodenum. The presence of chyme triggers the release of several signaling molecules, including secretin and cholecystokinin (CCK), from the duodenal mucosa. Secretin, a hormone, stimulates the pancreatic duct cells to release a bicarbonate-rich fluid, which neutralizes the acidic chyme and provides an optimal pH for pancreatic enzyme activity. CCK, another hormone, stimulates the pancreatic acinar cells to release digestive enzymes, including amylase, lipase, and protease, which break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively. The release of these enzymes is also stimulated by the vagus nerve, which transmits signals from the brain in response to the anticipation of food intake. The pancreatic juice then flows through the pancreatic duct into the duodenum, where it mixes with chyme and facilitates digestion. The process of pancreatic juice secretion is regulated by both hormonal and neural mechanisms, ensuring that the appropriate amount and composition of pancreatic juice is released to meet the digestive needs of the body.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)