Pancreas: Dual Roles in Digestion and Blood Sugar Regulation

The pancreas, located behind the stomach, serves both exocrine (digestive) and endocrine (hormonal) functions.

1. Exocrine Function

Produces digestive enzymes released into the small intestine:

• Amylase – breaks down carbohydrates
• Lipase – breaks down fats
• Proteases (trypsin, chymotrypsin) – break down proteins

2. Endocrine Function

Secretes hormones directly into bloodstream:

• Insulin – lowers blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake
• Glucagon – raises blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown

These hormones maintain glucose homeostasis via a feedback loop.

3. Bicarbonate Secretion

Releases bicarbonate into the small intestine to neutralize acidic chyme, creating optimal pH for enzyme activity.

Together, these functions ensure nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolic balance.