Answer: Answer:
B. Bile juice
Bile juice is the secretion that changes the nature of food from acidic to alkaline in the small intestine. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder before being released into the small intestine to aid in digestion. It plays a crucial role in emulsifying fats, which helps in their breakdown and absorption. Additionally, bile neutralizes the acidic chyme (partially digested food) that enters the small intestine from the stomach, creating an alkaline environment that is more conducive for the action of pancreatic enzymes.
When food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine, it is highly acidic due to the presence of gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) from the stomach. This acidic chyme needs to be neutralized before further digestion can occur in the small intestine. Bile juice helps in this process by raising the pH of the chyme, making it alkaline. This alkaline environment is essential for the optimal activity of pancreatic enzymes that further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller molecules for absorption.
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