Following a meal, the epithelial cells of the pancreas secrete pancreatic juice — an alkaline liquid that contains high concentrations of bicarbonate. These juices are crucial for proper digestion, helping to neutralize stomach acid before it enters the small intestine. A hormone called secretin, which comes from the small intestine, regulates these pancreatic secretions; a deficiency of this regulatory substance may lead to peptic ulcer disease.

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