Which hormone is responsible for stimulating the pancreas to send bicarbonate to the small intestine?

The hormone responsible for stimulating the pancreas to send bicarbonate to the small intestine is secretin. Secretin is released by the cells of the small intestine in response to the acidity of the chyme that enters from the stomach. When the acidic contents reach the small intestine, secretin is secreted into the bloodstream, and it travels to the pancreas to prompt the release of bicarbonate.

This bicarbonate is vital as it neutralizes stomach acids, creating an optimal pH environment for digestive enzymes to function effectively in the small intestine. By promoting the secretion of bicarbonate, secretin plays a crucial role in maintaining the digestive process and ensuring that the small intestine can properly digest nutrients.