THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM I/ 1 



The material passed to the intestine during stomach 

 digestion, called chyme, is slightly acid in reaction. As 

 it passes through the pylorus into the intestine, it excites 

 therein a secretion of the intestinal fluids. These latter 

 have an alkaline reaction, which neutralizes the substances 

 passed from the stomach; the nutriment which has not 

 been absorbed by the stomach is taken up by the ab- 

 sorbents of the intestine and sent to the several parts of 

 the system, as will be noted under the Lacteals. 



It is supposed that in the intestines starchy substances 

 are converted into dextrose. This applies especially to 

 the conversion of cane-sugar, maltose, and lactose into 

 dextrose, by which process they are prepared for absorp- 

 tion. 



Pancreatic juice is secreted by the pancreas, the duct 

 of which opens into the intestine (duodenum). This 

 juice is a transparent, colorless fluid, strongly alkaline, 

 with a specific gravity of 1.040. Its composition is as 

 follows : 



Water 900.76 



Albuminoid substances 9-44 



Inorganic salts 8.80 



1000.00 



It is the function of the pancreatic juice to convert 

 starch into maltose, and albumin into albumose, and finally 

 into peptone ; the trypsin contained in it converts the hemi- 

 peptones into leucin and tyrosin. Pancreatic juice has a 

 specific action upon fats, which it emulsifies. This action 

 is rapid, and depends upon the alkaline substances with 

 which it is combined. It is supposed that the neutral 

 fats are acted upon, and converted into fatty acids and 

 glycerin by a ferment called steapsin. The pancreatic 

 juices increase the peristalsis of the intestines through the 

 glycerin which is produced. 



