While the salivary glands in the mouth produce saliva containing amylase, they do not produce bicarbonate ions. The pancreas, which is a gland in the abdomen, plays a crucial role in digestion. It secretes pancreatic juice containing:
* Amylase: An enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates.
* Bicarbonate ions: These neutralize the acidic chyme (partially digested food) coming from the stomach, creating an optimal pH for pancreatic enzymes to function.
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