The Alimentary Canal: The Pancreas

Mouth
Oesophagus
Stomach
Small intestine
Liver
Pancreas
Large intestine

6. The Pancreas

The pancreas functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland:

Endocrine function: Secretes hormones such as insulin into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels.
Exocrine function: Produces and releases digestive enzymes into the duodenum.

infoNote

Exocrine glands are glands that release their products into ducts or tubes, e.g. sweat glands.

infoNote

Endocrine glands are ductless glands. They release hormones into the bloodstream, e.g. pituitary gland.

The pancreas releases two enzymes into the duodenum:

Pancreatic amylase: Converts starch into maltose.
Pancreatic lipase: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Digestive Enzymes

The optimum temperature for these enzymes is 37°C (body temperature).

Enzyme	Produced by	Optimum pH	Substrate	Product
Amylase	Salivary glands/pancreas	7-8	Starch	Maltose
Pepsin	Stomach lining	2	Protein	Peptides
Lipase	Pancreas	7-8	Fat	Fatty acids and glycerol

infoNote

Insulin is produced in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.

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