Pancreatic juice: composition and function
The pancreas secretes a juice containing a large number of active enzymes and enzymes. They serve for splitting and facilitating the absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Without these enzymes, human life is not possible.
Due to complex neuro-humoral mechanisms of pancreatic juice is released during every meal.
Within a day, about 1.5 liters of juice are produced in the adult body.
Ingredients of enzymes
Pancreatic juice has a diverse composition. It contains the following substances:
- Water - 98%;
- Organic components - 1.5%;
- Enzymes;
- Bicarbonates, potassium chloride, sodium chloride.
Juice contains amylolytic, lipolytic enzymes and proteases. Amylolytic enzymes are represented by amylase, which is responsible for the cleavage of starch, maltase and lactase. Lipolytic enzymes include: cholesterol esterase, phospholipase A, and lipase.
Proteolytic enzymes are the most numerous group. It includes enopeptidases, exopeptidases, elastases. It is believed that all biological substances are released simultaneously in the presence of a corresponding stimulus.
The main representative of proteases is trypsinogen. In the lumen of the intestine, it turns into trypsin. Its function is the cleavage of proteins to amino acids that can pass through the intestinal wall. It is interesting that the content of trypsin decreases after 20 years. Lipase is necessary for the breakdown of fats for fatty acids and glycerol.
abovementioned enzymes included in the juice are not active. They acquire the ability to interact with nutrients only in the lumen of the intestine. In the mucosa of the duodenum are glands that activate enzymes.
Where is the pancreatic juice formed and where does it come from?
pancreatic juice is produced in small pieces of iron, which ducts are located on the common pancreatic duct, and then into the duodenum. It looks like a clear liquid. Pancreatic juice begins to stand out when the contents of the stomach enter the intestine. This relatively slow process - 4.7 ml / min - provides the necessary time for the formation and isolation of enzymes, as well as the process of adapting the contents of the juice to the nature of the food. The secret of the pancreas is excreted and without irritants, but in small amounts.
It is revealed that the composition of pancreatic juice varies depending on the products used. For example, during the predominantly carbohydrate intake, the pancreatic secretion contains a large amount of amylase. It is designed to break down complex carbohydrates into simpler ones.
reaction medium
pancreatic juice acidity should be between 7,5-8,5 pH.Alkaline reaction of the pancreatic secretion provides neutralization of the acidic contents of the stomach and provides the necessary conditions for the cleavage and absorption of substances. It is known that pancreatic enzymes can work only with an alkaline reaction in the duodenum, since the juice contains a large number of hydrocarbonates.
It is important that the composition of the diet included useful products, saturated with vitamins and minerals. Fat products and alcohol are excluded or severely restricted.
It is necessary to drink about 1-1.5 liters of water per day. This will ensure the full operation of the pancreas, sufficient production of pancreatic juice and the health of the whole organism.
