key term - Pancreatic juice

Definition

Pancreatic juice is a clear, alkaline secretion of the pancreas containing enzymes that aid in the digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It flows through the pancreatic duct into the duodenum, where it performs its digestive functions.

Related terms

Enzymes:

Biological molecules that significantly speed up the rate of virtually all of the chemical reactions that take place within cells.

Duodenum:

The first section of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach, where most chemical digestion takes place.

Alkaline: Having a pH greater than 7; basic in nature, which helps neutralize the acidic chyme received from the stomach