Question

While digesting food, the liquid food then enters the small intestine where the acid is _____________________, and enzymes break down fat, protein and carbohydrates for absorption by tiny hairs called villi.

Answer 1

Answer:

While digesting food, the liquid food then enters the small intestine where the acid is _neutralized_, and enzymes break down fat, protein and carbohydrates for absorption by tiny hairs called villi.

Explanation:

The small intestine is where most chemical digestion occurs. Most of the digestive enzymes that act in the small intestine are secreted by the pancreas and enter the small intestine through the pancreatic duct.

The enzymes enter the small intestine in response to the hormone cholecystokinin, which is produced in the small intestine in response to the presence of nutrients. The hormone secretin also causes bicarbonate to be released into the small intestine from the pancreas in order to neutralize the potentially harmful acid that comes from the stomach.

This is to protect the cells lining the small intestine from the acid.