What is the primary function of the pancreas in the human body?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The primary function of the pancreas is to regulate blood sugar levels and aid in digestion. It performs these functions through both endocrine and exocrine processes.
Endocrine Function:
The pancreas has specialized cells known as Islets of Langerhans, which release hormones directly into the bloodstream. The most important hormones produced by the pancreas for regulating blood sugar are insulin and glucagon.
- Insulin lowers blood sugar levels by allowing cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream for energy or storage as glycogen in the liver and muscles.
- Glucagon raises blood sugar levels by prompting the liver to release stored glucose (glycogen) into the bloodstream when blood sugar is too low.
Together, insulin and glucagon maintain blood sugar within a narrow, optimal range, ensuring the body has a consistent energy supply. If the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, as in the case of diabetes mellitus, blood sugar levels can become dangerously high.
Exocrine Function:
In addition to hormone secretion, the pancreas produces digestive enzymes that are released into the small intestine through the pancreatic duct. These enzymes include:
- Amylase (breaks down carbohydrates into sugars),
- Lipase (breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol),
- Proteases (break down proteins into amino acids).
The exocrine cells in the pancreas secrete these enzymes in an inactive form to prevent self-digestion, and they are activated once they enter the small intestine. The pancreas also secretes bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acids entering the small intestine, creating a more favorable environment for digestion.
Overall, the pancreas plays a critical role in both digestive and metabolic processes, ensuring that the body can properly digest food and regulate energy usage and storage.