Besides digestive enzymes, what additional substances does the pancreas contribute to the digestive process?

The pancreas plays a crucial role in the digestive process, contributing not only digestive enzymes but also bicarbonate ions. These bicarbonate ions are essential for neutralizing the acidic chyme that enters the small intestine from the stomach. The presence of acidic chyme can inhibit the function of intestinal enzymes and damage the intestinal lining; therefore, bicarbonate helps maintain a neutral pH that allows digestion to occur effectively.

In the context of the options provided, the correct choice emphasizes that water is involved in diluting chyme, which aids in the overall digestive process by ensuring the proper consistency for enzymatic activity. The combination of adding bicarbonate ions and water supports optimal conditions for digestion in the small intestine.

Although the role of digestive enzymes is essential, the extra function of neutralizing stomach acid with bicarbonate and diluting the chyme with water is what distinguishes this contribution of the pancreas in the broader digestive context.