THE PANCREAS Lindsey Zucker, Kate Davidson, Cassidy Wilson & Leah Hall

SIZE AND LOCATION

The pancreas is about 6 inches and is the located in the back of the abdomen and behind the stomach.

FUNCTION & RELATION TO DIGESTION Function

To send out enzymes to break down proteins, lipids, carbs, and nucleic acids in food.

Digestion

The Pancreas also  secretes hormones, insulin, and glucagon to control blood sugar regulation.

CONNECTION TO DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

The pancreas connects from the duodenum to the small intestine.

ENZYMES PRODUCED BY THE PANCREAS oPancreatic amylaseoLipaseoNucleaseoTrypsinoChymotrypsinoCarboxypeptidase

Function Lipase works with bile from the liver to break down fat molecules so they can be absorbed and used in the body.  Protease breaks down proteins, helps keep intestines free of parasites such as bacteria, yeast and protozoa.  Amylase breaks down carbohydrates (starch) into sugars which are more easily absorbed in the body.  This enzyme is also found in saliva.

HOW DO THESE ENZYMES ENTER INTO DIGESTIVE ORGANS Amylase enters through saliva and pancreatic amylase (passes through a duct).  Protease enters because special cells in the stomach produce pepsinogen which changes into pepsin when it contacts acid in the stomach.  Lipase enters the digestive system when gastric lipase is made by cells in the stomach.

HOW INSULIN IS RELATED TO THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Insulin is released from beta cells in the pancreas in response to rising glucose in the blood stream.  After one eats a meal, carbohydrates are broken down into sugars and are passed into the bloodstream.  The pancreas detects this rise in blood glucose and starts to secrete insulin.  

WORKS CITED "Pancreas." Answers. Answers Corporation, n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2015.

https://www.pancan.org/section-facing-pancreatic-cancer/learn-about-pan-cancer/diet-and-nutrition/pancreatic-enzymes/

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/functions-amylase-protease-lipase-digestive-enzymes-3325.html

http://www.mydr.com.au/gastrointestinal-health/pancreas-and-insulin

http://www.thetahealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/where_is_the_gallbladder_located_in_the_human_body.jpg

http://teachmeanatomy.info/wp-content/uploads/Parts-of-the-Pancreas.png

http://images.medicinenet.com/images/illustrations/pancreas.jpg

http://www.ghc.org/all-sites/images/healthAndWellness/food-popup.gif

http://physrev.physiology.org/content/physrev/82/1/1/F1.large.jpg