Question

If the pancreas fails to make___ , it will inhibit the action of enzymes and affect chemical digestion. Also,___ might damage the small intestine walls

Answer 1

Insulin is the first blank

Answer 2

Answer:

Bicrbonate ion ( HCO₃ ⁻) ;  Lipase

Explanation:

The pancreas function both as endocrine and exocrine gland and is closely associated with the small intestine. Its exocrine function is to produce pancreatic juice which supports digestion. Pancreatic juice contains sodium bicarbonate and digestive enzymes. The enzymes of pancreatic juice can only function in an alkaline medium. Bicarbonate ions ( HCO₃ ⁻) change the medium of duodenum from acidic to alkaline. Thus in absence of bicarbonate ion, chemical digestion may be affected.

The protein digesting enzyme lipase in the chyme coming from stomach may damage walls of small intestine.