What is the function of the pancreas in digestion?

The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion primarily by producing digestive enzymes. These enzymes include amylase, lipase, and proteases, which help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively. The pancreas releases these enzymes into the small intestine, where they are activated and begin the process of digesting food, allowing nutrients to be absorbed and utilized by the body.

In contrast, while bile is involved in fat digestion, it is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not the pancreas. The process of absorbing nutrients occurs primarily in the small intestine and is not a function of the pancreas. Finally, filtering toxins from the blood is a function of the liver, not the pancreas. Thus, the production of digestive enzymes is the correct and most relevant function of the pancreas in the context of digestion.