There are two major functions of chyme – the first is to increase the surface area of food to allow digestive enzymes to complete their work, and the second is to stimulate various digestive glands to release their secretions.

Why is chyme important in digestion?

Chyme is a critical component of gut health and the digestive system. It contains valuable digestive secretions crucial in the maintenance of fluid, electrolyte balance and gut biome.

Why is it important that chyme from the stomach is delivered to the small intestine slowly and in small amounts?

This distinguishes the small intestine from the stomach; that is, enzymatic digestion occurs not only in the lumen, but also on the luminal surfaces of the mucosal cells. For optimal chemical digestion, chyme must be delivered from the stomach slowly and in small amounts.