Question

What are the functions of the pancreas?

Answer 1

Pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions.

Explanation:

• Pancreas is formed of acini (made of exocrine gland cells) and
• islets (consisting of endocrine cells).
• Acini of pancreas secretes pancreatic enzymes while
• islets secrete hormones.

Enzymes of pancreas are delivered by a duct as an alkaline juice in the duodenal region of small intestine.

• Trypsin is the protein digesting enzyme (peptidase), that breaks down peptides in smaller fragments.
• Another peptidase, chymotrypsin is also present in pancreatic juice.
• Lipase digests fat in to free fatty acids and glycerol.
• Amylase breaks down starch, sucrase digests sucrose (the cane sugar), lactase digests lactose (the milk sugar), and maltase digests maltose.

Islet cells of pancreas secrete insulin and glucagon; they are antagonistic hormones.
- Insulin lowers blood sugar level.
- Glucagon increases blood sugar level.