How is the pancreas adapted for its function?
The pancreas has two main functions: To make digestive enzymes which help us to digest food. Enzymes are special chemicals which help to speed up your body’s processes. To make hormones which regulate our metabolism. Hormones are chemicals which can be released into the blood-stream. They act as messengers, affecting cells and tissues in distant parts of your body. About 90% of the pancreas is dedicated to making digestive enzymes. Cells called acinar cells within the pancreas produce these enzymes. The enzymes help to make proteins, fats and carbohydrates smaller. This helps the intestines to absorb these nutrients. The acinar cells also make a liquid which creates the right conditions for pancreatic enzymes to work. This is also known as pancreatic juice. The enzymes made by the pancreas include: Pancreatic proteases (such as trypsin and chymotrypsin) help to digest proteins. Pancreatic amylase which helps to digest carbohydrates (sugars). Pancreatic lipase which helps to digest fat.
