When partially digested food enters the small intestine from the stomach, several events must occur to protect the intestine and allow for the continued digestion of the food. One hormone in particular performs two of these functions. What intestinal hormone is responsible for causing the pancreas to release digestive enzymes and the gallbladder to release bile salts into the intestine?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin is the intestinal hormone that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile salts from the gallbladder. This hormone is secreted by the intestinal mucosa in response to the presence of partially digested proteins and fats in the small intestine. Secretin is another hormone that is important for the release of pancreatic enzymes, but its primary function is to stimulate the secretion of bicarbonate-rich fluid from the pancreas and liver to neutralize the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. Insulin, epinephrine, and corticosterone are hormones that are not directly involved in the digestive process.

When Partially Digested Food Enters the Small Intestine from the Stomach