Pancreatic Juice: Composition, Enzymes, and Digestive Function

The pancreas produces pancreatic juice, an alkaline fluid rich in digestive enzymes essential for breaking down macronutrients. Key enzymes include amylase (carbohydrates), lipase (fats), and protease (proteins). These enzymes hydrolyze large molecules into smaller, absorbable units.

Pancreatic juice is secreted into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) where it mixes with bile and partially digested food (chyme) to continue digestion. The alkaline nature of the juice also neutralizes acidic chyme from the stomach, creating an optimal pH for enzymatic activity.