What is the primary effect of cholecystokinin (CCK) on digestion?

What is the primary effect of cholecystokinin (CCK) on digestion?

• A. Inhibits gastric acid production.
• B. Delays intestinal motility.
• C. Relaxes the pyloric sphincter.
• D. Stimulates pancreatic enzyme-rich juice release and gallbladder contraction.

Answer: (D)

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is released when fatty or protein-rich chyme enters the duodenum, and its main job is to coordinate fat and protein digestion by signaling the biliary and pancreatic systems. It stimulates the pancreas to secrete enzyme-rich juice, providing lipases, proteases, and amylases needed for digestion. It also causes the gallbladder to contract, pushing bile into the duodenum to emulsify fats. Additionally, it helps open the pathway for these secretions by relaxing the sphincter of Oddi. This combination directly supports digestion in the small intestine, so the option describing pancreatic enzyme-rich juice release and gallbladder contraction captures the primary effect of CCK.

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is released when fatty or protein-rich chyme enters the duodenum, and its main job is to coordinate fat and protein digestion by signaling the biliary and pancreatic systems. It stimulates the pancreas to secrete enzyme-rich juice, providing lipases, proteases, and amylases needed for digestion. It also causes the gallbladder to contract, pushing bile into the duodenum to emulsify fats. Additionally, it helps open the pathway for these secretions by relaxing the sphincter of Oddi. This combination directly supports digestion in the small intestine, so the option describing pancreatic enzyme-rich juice release and gallbladder contraction captures the primary effect of CCK.