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==Exocrine Function==
 
==Exocrine Function==
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*Produces a juice containing digestive enzymes that discharges into the duodenum through ducts.
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'''Alkaline Secretion'''
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*The pancreas produces an alakaline secretion.
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*Pancreatic juice discharges into the duodenum through ducts.
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*Pancreatic juice is alkaline because it contains bicarbonate and chloride ions.
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**Bicarbonate ions are actively transported into the duct lumen.
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**Water follows passively by osmosis.
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*Osmolarity of the pancreatic juice is equivalent to the osmolarity of the blood.
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*Pancreatic juice is alkaline to neutralise the acidic gastric juice. This is advantageous because:
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**It provides an optimal pH for the pancreatic enzymes.
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**It prevents damage to the thin, absorptive mucosa of the duodenum.
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*It's alkalinity also helps to buffer the large intestine which is important in [[Large Intestine - Hindgut Fermenters - Anatomy & Physiology|hindgut fermenters]]
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'''Enzymatic Digestion'''
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*The alkaline secretion contains digestive enyzmes that can digest protein, carbohydrates and lipids. Digestion is discussed in the [[Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestine]].
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*
    
==Endocrine Function==
 
==Endocrine Function==
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