In the human digestive system, which one among the following is the role of the pancreas?

The Correct answer is Secretion of lipase, amylase and protease.

Key Points

• The pancreas is a vital organ in the human digestive system.
• It secretes digestive enzymes such as lipase, amylase, and protease.
• Lipase helps in the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
• Amylase aids in the digestion of carbohydrates by converting starch into simple sugars.
• Protease is responsible for breaking down proteins into amino acids.
• The pancreas also plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by producing hormones like insulin and glucagon.

 Additional Information

• Secretion of surfactants to break up lipid droplets
  • This function is primarily performed by the liver and gallbladder.
  • The liver produces bile, which contains bile salts that act as surfactants to break up lipid droplets.
  • The bile is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder before being released into the small intestine.
• Storage and regulated release of bile
  • This is the primary function of the gallbladder.
  • The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats.
• Neutralizing stomach acids
  • The pancreas does produce bicarbonate ions that help neutralize stomach acids, but its primary role is the secretion of digestive enzymes.
  • These bicarbonate ions are secreted into the small intestine to create an alkaline environment, which is essential for the proper functioning of digestive enzymes.