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Human Body Study

Pancreas (Digestive Role)

A gland behind the stomach with two distinct jobs. This page covers its digestive (exocrine) role; its hormone-producing islets are covered under the endocrine system.

The digestive tract The GI tract from mouth through oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine, with liver, gallbladder and pancreas as accessory organs. Each label links to the article for that part. Mouth Esophagus Liver Stomach Gallbladder Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine The digestive tract and its accessory organs — schematic, not to scale.

Digestive role

Section titled “Digestive role”

Produces pancreatic juice — a powerful mix of enzymes that digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats — and bicarbonate, which neutralizes stomach acid as it enters the intestine.

What it does

Section titled “What it does”

Delivers most of the enzymes that complete digestion into the duodenum.

Key idea

Section titled “Key idea”

The pancreas is the digestive system’s chief enzyme supplier; the same organ also regulates blood sugar, making it both a digestive and an endocrine organ.