Question

What is the function of the fluid secreted by duodenal (Brunner’s) gland?

Answer 1

Hint: The small intestine has the principal role in the digestion and absorption of food
materials in our body. It is divided into several parts and the first part of the small intestine is called duodenum. It contains several glands that are also called Brunner’s glands and they have a major
role in the digestion of food.

Complete answer: The first part of the small intestine is called duodenum. It continues as a long coiled part called jejunum and a highly coiled final part called ileum. Ileum opens into the large intestine.
-There are several glands in our digestive system that secretes several enzymes that help for the digestion of food materials in our gut. There are several layers in the wall of our alimentary canal. They are serosa, muscularis layer, submucosa, and mucosa. Most glands of our digestive system are present in the mucosa layer of the wall of the alimentary canal. But the submucosal layer of the duodenum contains several glands and is called duodenal glands or Brunner’s glands. These glands secrete an alkaline-rich fluid called mucin. The function of this secretion is to protect the duodenal wall from the acid-containing food that passes from the stomach to the intestine. They neutralize the acid and prevent the walls of the small intestine from damage. The acid rich food from the stomach is called chyme.

Note: Other than Brunner’s glands, several other secretions are also secreted into the duodenum. The bile duct and pancreatic duct opens to this region releasing bile and pancreatic juice
respectively. Know that alkaline-rich pancreatic juice also protects the duodenal wall from acid-rich food
from the stomach.