Pancreas

Enzymes + hormones

How does the pancreas work?

A dual-purpose organ: it releases digestive enzymes into the intestine and hormones like insulin and glucagon into the blood.

Digestive job

Releases amylase (starch), protease (protein) and lipase (fat) plus bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.

Hormone job

Islet cells release insulin when blood glucose rises and glucagon when it falls.

Evidence & sources

• The pancreas makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon. Evidence: established. Known: Basic physiology. Unknown: — Source: NIH NIDDK, Your Digestive System & How It Works (Current revision).

Connected topics

• Blood Sugar Regulation
• Carbohydrate
• Protein
• Fat
• Small Intestine

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General education only, not medical advice. Drafted Oct 2026 · pending qualified expert review.