Glossary -   Pancreas

 

 

This is a large organ behind the stomach. One of its jobs is to make digestive enzymes and release them into the small intestine. The digestive enzymes are essential for food (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) to be broken down into small enough nutrients to get into the blood. Without them, people cannot absorb enough nutrients and will develop malnutrition and poor growth. The pancreas also makes the hormone insulin which is needed for glucose (sugar) to leave the blood and get into body cells.