The Alimentary Canal: The Pancreas (Leaving Cert Biology): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
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.
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Exocrine glands are glands that release their products into ducts or tubes, e.g. sweat glands.
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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 |
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Insulin is produced in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.