The Digestive System (cont.)
Accessory Organs
Pancreas
Among other functions, the pancreas is the chief factory for digestive enzymes
that are secreted into the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine.
These enzymes break down protein, fats and carbohydrates.
Liver
The liver has multiple functions, but two of its main functions within the
digestive system are to make and secrete an important substance called bile and
to process the blood coming from the small intestine containing the nutrients
just absorbed. The liver purifies this blood of many impurities before traveling
to the rest of the body.
Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a storage sac for excess bile. Bile made in the liver travels
to the small intestine via the bile ducts. If the intestine doesn't need it, the
bile travels into the gallbladder where it awaits the signal from the intestines
that food is present. Bile serves two main purposes. First, it helps absorb fats
in the diet and secondly, it carries waste from the liver that cannot go through
the kidneys.
Reviewed by
The Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology .
Edited by Cynthia Haines, MD
WebMD, March 01, 2006.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
Last Editorial Review: 12/18/2007
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