Pancreatic Juice Pancreatic juice contains enzymes that digest carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids, and include: Pancreatic amylase – splits glycogen into disaccharides Pancreatic lipase – breaks down triglycerides Trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, and carboxypeptidase Digest proteins Nucleases – digest nucleic acids Bicarbonate ions – make pancreatic juice alkaline

Liver Functions The liver carries on many important metabolic activities, including: Produces glycogen from glucose Breaks down glycogen into glucose Converts non-carbohydrates to glucose Oxidizes fatty acids Synthesizes lipoproteins, phospholipids, and cholesterol Converts carbohydrates and proteins into fats Deaminating amino acids Forms urea Synthesizes plasma proteins Converts some amino acids to other amino acids Stores glycogen, iron, and vitamins A, D, and B12 Phagocytosis of worn out RBCs and foreign substances Removes toxins such as alcohol and certain drugs from the blood

Composition of Bile Bile is a yellowish-green liquid that hepatic cells continuously secrete Bile contains: Water Bile salts: Emulsify fats Help absorb fatty acids, cholesterol, and fat-soluble vitamins Bile pigments Cholesterol Electrolytes

Functions of Bile Salts Bile salts aid digestive enzymes They reduce surface tension and break fat globules into droplets (like soap or detergent) and this is called emulsification They enhance absorption of fatty acids and cholesterol They help absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K Bile salts are recycled as they return to the liver