Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

Into which part of the gastrointestinal tract does pancreatic juice drain?

1. Stomach

2. Large intestine

3. Duodenum

4. Esophagus

The correct answer is: Duodenum

Pancreatic juice drains into the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. This is a crucial aspect of the digestive process because pancreatic juice contains digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and proteases, which are necessary for the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively. This enzymatic action is essential for the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients that occurs in the small intestine. The duodenum also serves as the site where the acidic chyme from the stomach is neutralized by bicarbonate present in the pancreatic juice. This neutralization is necessary to create an optimal pH environment for the functionality of the digestive enzymes. The coordination of pancreatic juice release into the duodenum is vital for effective digestion and contributes to the overall health of the gastrointestinal system.