Pancreas

digestion · hormones · body systems

Two jobs at once. The pancreas is unusual because it works as both a digestive gland and a hormone gland, handling about 99% digestion work and 1% hormone work.

Blood sugar keeper. Your pancreas makes a hormone called insulin that controls how much sugar is in your blood, keeping your energy levels just right.

Secret juice maker. The pancreas creates special pancreatic juice full of enzymes and bicarbonate that goes into your small intestine to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats from food.

Acid neutralizer. When your stomach sends food mixed with acid into your small intestine, the pancreas releases bicarbonate to calm down all that acid so it doesn't hurt your intestines.