What is the primary function of the pancreas in the digestive system?

The primary function of the pancreas in the digestive system is to produce digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin. The pancreas plays a critical role in digestion by releasing enzymes that aid in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. These enzymes include amylase for carbohydrates, lipase for fats, and proteases for proteins, which are essential for the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.

In addition to its digestive function, the pancreas also has an endocrine role, producing hormones such as insulin and glucagon that help regulate blood sugar levels. While both functions are crucial, the combination of enzyme production and hormonal regulation highlights the pancreas's importance in maintaining overall metabolic balance and digestive efficiency.

The production of bile is primarily the function of the liver, not the pancreas, which clarifies why that choice is not correct. Nutrient absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine, making answers focused solely on absorption less comprehensive concerning the pancreas’s digestive roles. Thus, the focus on both digestive enzymes and the hormones produced by the pancreas accurately represents its dual role in the digestive system.