Unit4- 3.3~ Digestive roles of liver and pancreas

Question 1

What is the digestive role of the liver?

Answer 1

• The liver is the body’s largest gland, crucial for digestion and metabolism
• the liver is producing bile, which helps digest fats
• Bile contains bile salts crucial for digestion as they emulsify fats, making them easier for enzymes to break down
• Bile is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder ready for digestion
• When a meal is consumed, bile is released neutralizing stomach acid and aiding the digestion of fats and oils
• The liver regulates blood glucose by storing excess glucose as glycogen and releasing it when needed through glycogenolysis
• The liver detoxifies substances like alcohol and drugs, and converts waste products such as ammonia into urea for excretion in urine

Question 2

What is the digestive role of the pancreae?

Answer 2

• The pancreas, located behind the stomach, is important for digestion and hormone production
• The pancreas produces digestive enzymes delivered to the duodenum, breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to continue digestion
• The pancreas produces trypsin and chymotrypsin for proteins, lipase for fats, and amylase for carbohydrates
• The pancreas produces bicarbonate ions that neutralize stomach acid in the duodenum, creating an alkaline environment optimal for enzyme activity
• The pancreas has an endocrine function, producing insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels