Which organ produces digestive enzymes and sodium bicarbonate for digestion?

• A. Pancreas
• B. Liver
• C. Gallbladder
• D. Stomach

Answer: (A)

The pancreas is the organ that provides both digestive enzymes and sodium bicarbonate for digestion. Its exocrine tissue releases pancreatic juice containing enzymes such as amylase, proteases, and lipases to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with a high concentration of sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acidic chyme as it enters the small intestine. This neutralization creates the alkaline conditions needed for the intestinal enzymes to work effectively. The juice travels to the duodenum via the pancreatic duct, with secretin promoting bicarbonate-rich secretion and cholecystokinin stimulating enzyme-rich secretion. The other organs don’t supply both enzymes and bicarbonate: the liver makes bile for fat digestion, the gallbladder stores bile, and the stomach mainly secretes acid and pepsinogen rather than bicarbonate.