Pancreatic juice is alkaline in nature due to the high concentration of bicarbonate ions.
Pancreatic juice secretion is principally regulated by the hormones secretin and cholecystokinin, which are produced by the walls of the duodenum, and by the action of autonomic innervation.
The release of these hormones into the blood is stimulated by the entry of the acidic chyme into the duodenum.
Their coordinated action results in the secretion of a large volume of pancreatic juice, which is alkaline and enzyme-rich, into the duodenum.
The blood flow into pancreas is regulated by sympathetic nerve fibers, while parasympathetic neurons stimulate the activity of acinar and centroacinar cells.