> an accessory digestive organ which sits behind the stomach. > connected to the small intestine via the pancreatic duct > essential role in converting food into fuel for the body's cells.
The pancreas carries out two important roles:
1/ It makes digestive juices, which consist of powerful enzymes. These are released into the small bowel after meals to break down and digest food. 2/ It makes hormones that control blood glucose levels.
Pancreatic enzymes (digestive juices) are released into the small intestine after meals to break down and digest food: [1] Pancreatic amylases digest carbohydrates. [2] Pancreatic lipases digest fats. [3] Proteases (trypsin, chymotrypsin) digest protein. If pancreatic enzyme production is poor: => foods ferment in the intestines, => bloating, flatulence and abdominal pain about 1 hour after eating. The lack of digestion can also lead to weight loss.
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