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Food passing into the small intestines is very acidic from the hydrochloric acid released by the...

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Food passing into the small intestines is very acidic from the hydrochloric acid released by the lining of the stomach and mixed in by churning. The pH of the stomach is about 2, whereas the pH of the small intestines is about 8. A buffer (bicarbonate) is released by the pancreas and used to convert the pH = 2 chyme solutions (food) to pH = 8. Explain the importance of the buffer to the continued digestion of your food.

Hydrochloric Acid:

Hydrochloric acid produces when hydrogen chloride dissolves in water. It is a corrosive acid that is generally found in the dilute form in gastric juice. Hydrochloric acid destroys bacteria and other harmful organisms and acts as a food preservative. This acid has many industrial uses (such as cleaning and laboratories).

Answer and Explanation: 1

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The human pancreas secretes pancreatic juice. The produced pancreatic juice is transported through the ducts from the pancreas to the small intestine....

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Small Intestine | Anatomy, Structure & Functions

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Chapter 8 / Lesson 4
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Small intestine: Learn the anatomy, structure, and functions of the small intestine. Also, see the different parts of the small intestine using a diagram.


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