What are the primary functions of pancreatic juice?

Pancreatic juice is an alkaline liquid matter which is secreted by the pancreas. It contains water, enzymes, regulatory molecules, HCO3, other electrolytes. it is alkaline (pH 8-8.5) due to the high concentration of bicarbonate ions. It is secreted into the duodenum via papillae. It contains several enzymes, such as trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, pancreatic lipase, nuclease, amylase, elastase, and carboxypeptidase

Functions of pancreatic juice

Digestive function:

Protein digestion:

^{The enteropeptidase converts the trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen into the trypsin and chymotrypsin, which further convert the polypeptides into tripeptides, dipeptides, and amino acids. The proteolytic enzyme carboxypeptidase also helps in protein digestion.}

Digestion of carbohydrates

^{Pancreatic amylase converts digestible polysaccharides into starch (by salivary amylase to disaccharides)}.

Digestion of fats

^{lipase converts into Acids Fatty acids and glycerol with the help of bile salts. Similarly, nuclease digests nucleic acids.}

Protective function:

^{The highly alkaline nature neutralizes HCl in chyme and protects the intestinal mucosa from acid damage.}