When it senses the presence of chyme, it releases certain hormones. The first, secretin, regulates secretions of the stomach, pancreas, and liver. Maintaining the pH level of the duodenum is its responsibility. It achieves this in part by stopping the secretion of gastric acid from the stomach. The other hormone is cholecystokinin, a peptide that stimulates further digestion of proteins and fats, and acts as a hunger suppressant.

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