After chyme leaves the stomach and enters the duodenum, the duodenum is protected from the acidic chyme because

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate ions are secreted by the pancreas into the duodenum to neutralize the acidic chyme and protect the duodenum from damage. Bile from the gallbladder helps to emulsify fats but does not have a significant role in neutralizing chyme. Enzymes in the duodenum break down the chyme, but do not help neutralize its acidity. While the chyme leaving the stomach is quite acidic, with a pH of around 2, it can still cause damage to the duodenum without neutralization.

After Chyme Leaves the Stomach and Enters the Duodenum, the Duodenum