Pancreatic juices

Pancreatic juices are a liquid secreted by the pancreas, which contains a variety of enzymes, including trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, elastase, carboxypeptidase, pancreatic lipase, nucleases, and amylase. These enzymes play a crucial role in digestion by breaking down food particles in the small intestine.

Composition

The pancreatic juices are composed of two secretory products critical to proper digestion: digestive enzymes and bicarbonate. The enzymes are synthesized and secreted from the exocrine acinar cells, while bicarbonate is secreted from the epithelial cells lining small pancreatic ducts.

Digestive Enzymes

The digestive enzymes are secreted in an inactive form known as zymogens or proenzymes. The major enzymes include:

• Trypsinogen: This is the inactive form of trypsin. It is activated in the small intestine by the enzyme enterokinase, which is embedded in the intestinal mucosa. Once activated, trypsin can activate other enzymes in the pancreatic juice.

• Chymotrypsinogen: This is the inactive form of chymotrypsin. It is activated by trypsin into chymotrypsin.

• Elastase: This enzyme breaks down elastin, a protein that gives elasticity to tissues.

• Carboxypeptidase: This enzyme is responsible for cleaving the terminal peptide bond in a protein.

• Pancreatic lipase: This enzyme breaks down fats into glycerol and fatty acids.

• Nucleases: These enzymes degrade nucleic acids into nucleotides and nucleosides.

• Amylase: This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars.

Bicarbonate

Bicarbonate is secreted by the epithelial cells lining the pancreatic ducts. It helps to neutralize the acidic gastric juice in the chyme, creating an alkaline environment in the small intestine, which is necessary for the optimal activity of pancreatic enzymes.

Function

The primary function of pancreatic juices is to facilitate digestion. The enzymes in the juice help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine, while the bicarbonate helps neutralize the acidity of the chyme.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the production or action of pancreatic juices can lead to several health problems, such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic cancer. These conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, malnutrition, and diabetes.

Pancreatic juices Resources
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