Question

Release of pancreatic juice is stimulated by

• A. enterokinase
• B. cholecystokinin
• C. trypsinogen
• D. secretin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The release of pancreatic juice is stimulated by the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). Let's explore why this is the correct answer and why the other options are not suitable:

1. Cholecystokinin (CCK):
   • This hormone is secreted by the cells in the mucosa of the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).
   • CCK is released in response to the presence of fats and proteins in the small intestine.
   • It stimulates the gallbladder to contract and release stored bile into the intestine. Additionally, it triggers the pancreas to release pancreatic juice, which contains digestive enzymes essential for the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
2. Enterokinase:
   • Enterokinase is an enzyme, not a hormone. It converts trypsinogen (inactive form) into trypsin (active form) in the small intestine, which then helps in the digestion of proteins.
   • Enterokinase does not stimulate the release of pancreatic juice.
3. Trypsinogen:
   • Trypsinogen is an inactive zymogen form of the enzyme trypsin, produced in the pancreas.
   • It is converted to trypsin in the small intestine by enterokinase, but it does not stimulate the release of pancreatic juice.
4. Secretin:
   • Secretin is another hormone that influences the pancreas, but its role is different from that of CCK.
   • Secretin is released in response to acidic chyme reaching the small intestine and primarily stimulates the pancreas to release a bicarbonate-rich fluid. This helps neutralize the acidity of chyme coming from the stomach.
   • While secretin is related to pancreatic functions, its primary role is not to stimulate the full enzymatic pancreatic juice but rather the alkaline component to neutralize acid.

Conclusion: Cholecystokinin plays a critical role in stimulating the pancreas to release digestive enzymes as part of the pancreatic juice, aiding in food digestion. Hence, the correct answer is cholecystokinin.