Question

Describe the digestive functions of the pancreas.

Answer 1

The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine, which neutralizes stomach acid and breaks down carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and nucleic acids.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pancreas plays a crucial role in the digestive system with its dual function as both an exocrine and endocrine gland. It produces pancreatic juice, which contains a mixture of digestive enzymes and bicarbonate. These enzymes facilitate the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids in the duodenum, which is the first section of the small intestine. The bicarbonate content of pancreatic juice is vital as it helps to neutralize the acidic chyme that comes from the stomach, thereby creating an optimal pH for enzyme activity.

The exocrine part of the pancreas secretes these substances into the small intestine through a network of ducts, whereas the endocrine part releases hormones like insulin into the bloodstream. The main digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas include amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates, lipases for fats, proteases like trypsin for proteins, and nucleases for nucleic acids.

Overall, the pancreas significantly aids in reducing the acidity of the small intestine and ensures efficient chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Answer 2

It completes the job of breaking down protein, carbohydrates, and fats using digestive juices of pancreas combined with juices from the intestines. Secretion of pancreatic juice (enzymes) for digestion and hormone secretion. the pancreas secretes insulin. The function of the pancreas is to regulate blood sugar.