What Does the Pancreas Do

Have you ever wondered how your body knows what to do with the food you eat or how it keeps your energy levels steady throughout the day? The answer lies in an amazing organ called the pancreas. This worksheet helps you explore what the pancreas does, why it is important, and how it helps your body stay healthy. As you learn, you begin to see that even organs you cannot see play a big role in how you feel and function every day.

Your learning begins with where the pancreas is located. It sits behind your stomach, tucked safely in the upper part of your abdomen. Activities guide you to understand why the pancreas is placed near other digestive organs—it needs to work closely with them. You discover that the pancreas connects to the small intestine, helping your body break down food into nutrients you can use. This helps you understand how digestion is a team effort.

Next, you explore the pancreas as a digestive helper. The pancreas produces special juices called enzymes that break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Activities help you identify how these enzymes turn large food molecules into smaller pieces your body can absorb. You begin to realize that without the pancreas, your body would struggle to get energy from food.