UPSC Prelims 2006 Q15: Science & Technology – Biology
Consider the following statements with reference to the human body:
1. The common bile duct releases its contents into the stomach.
2. The pancreatic duct releases its contents into the duodenum.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Bile duct and pancreatic duct
Both ducts open into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, usually through the hepatopancreatic duct (ampulla of Vater).
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The common bile duct releases its contents into the stomach | False | It releases bile into the duodenum, not the stomach |
| 2. The pancreatic duct releases its contents into the duodenum | True | Pancreatic juice enters the duodenum |
So only statement 2 is correct.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; bile enters the duodenum, not the stomach.
- (b) CORRECT. The pancreatic duct releases pancreatic juice into the duodenum.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, so both cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true, so it is not 'neither'.
Key point
Both the bile duct and pancreatic duct open into the duodenum, never the stomach.
Remember
Bile duct and pancreatic duct both open into the duodenum.
Common mistakes
- Placing bile release in the stomach instead of the duodenum.
- Forgetting that the two ducts usually share the ampulla of Vater.
- Confusing bile (liver) with pancreatic juice (pancreas).
Exam tip
Bile and pancreatic juice both meet food in the duodenum.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Biology — Digestion and Absorption
- John E. Hall — Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (Secretory Functions of the Alimentary Tract)