Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

Which of the following structures connects the pancreas to the duodenum?

1. Hepatic portal vein

2. Common bile duct

3. Pancreatic duct

4. Pyloric sphincter

The correct answer is: Pancreatic duct

The pancreatic duct is the correct answer because it serves as the primary structure that connects the pancreas to the duodenum. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that are transported through the pancreatic duct into the duodenum, where they aid in the digestion of food. This duct plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of digestive processes, allowing the enzymes to enter the small intestine at the correct location for optimal activity. Other structures listed do not perform this specific function: the hepatic portal vein is responsible for transporting blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver, playing a role in nutrient processing rather than connecting glands to the intestine. The common bile duct carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum, but it does not transport pancreatic enzymes. The pyloric sphincter regulates the passage of food from the stomach to the duodenum but is not a duct or conduit for enzymes coming from the pancreas. Thus, the pancreatic duct is uniquely suited to connect the pancreatic exocrine secretions to the duodenum.