Question
Bile neutralizes hydrochloric acid in the stomach because bile is __ What word completes the sentence?
Answer
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Winston
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Answer
Alkaline
Explanation
This question asks about the form and function of bile in the human digestive system. Bile is an alkaline fluid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. After eating, bile is released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats. One of its roles is to neutralize the acidity of hydrochloric acid from the stomach when the food enters into the small intestine for further digestion. The hydrochloric acid has a low pH, meaning it is strongly acidic. In contrast, bile has a high pH, meaning it is an alkali. When an alkali and an acid met, they neutralize each other.