The pancreasis located in the upper left abdominal quadrant between the curve

of the duodenum and the spleen and is about 6 inches (15 cm) in length. The
endocrine functions of the pancreas were discussed in Chapter 10, so only the
exocrine functions will be considered here. The exocrine glands of the pancreas
are called acini (singular: acinus) (Fig. 167). They produce enzymes that are
involved in the digestion of all three types of complex food molecules.

The pancreatic enzyme amylase digests starch to maltose. You may recall that
this is the backup enzyme for salivary amylase, though pancreatic amylase is
responsible for most digestion of starch. Lipase converts emulsified fats to fatty
acids and glycerol.

The emulsifying or fat-separating action of bile salts increases the surface area of
fats so that lipase works effectively. Trypsinogen is an inactive enzyme that is
changed to active trypsin in the duodenum. Trypsin digests polypeptides to
shorter chains of amino acids.

The pancreatic enzyme juice is carried by small ducts that unite to form larger
ducts, then finally the main pancreatic duct. An accessory duct may also be
present. The main pancreatic duct emerges from the medial side of the pancreas
and joins the common bile duct to the duodenum (see Fig. 167). The pancreas
also produces a bicarbonate juice (containing sodium bicarbonate), which is
alkaline.