Explain how the pancreas acts as an organ, and how it contributes to the organ system it belongs to. Use the terms tissue, organ and organ system in your answer.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
The pancreas is an organ made of several different tissues that work together to carry out a specific function.
It produces digestive enzymes – amylase, lipase and protease – which are secreted into the small intestine to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
The pancreas is part of the digestive system, an organ system that processes food.
It works with other organs such as the stomach, small intestine and liver to digest food and release the resulting molecules for absorption.
It produces digestive enzymes – amylase, lipase and protease – which are secreted into the small intestine to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
The pancreas is part of the digestive system, an organ system that processes food.
It works with other organs such as the stomach, small intestine and liver to digest food and release the resulting molecules for absorption.
Examiner tips
- Use the word ‘organ’ to describe the pancreas, ‘tissues’ for its components, and ‘organ system’ for the digestive system.
- Mention the specific enzymes (amylase, lipase, protease).
- Show the pancreas’s role in the digestive system and its cooperation with other organs.
Common mistakes
- Calling the pancreas a ‘tissue’ instead of an organ.
- Omitting the specific enzymes or the digestive system context.
- Using vague terms like ‘helps digestion’ without linking to other organs.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- The pancreas is made of different tissues working together / is an aggregation of tissues performing a specific function
- The pancreas produces enzymes (amylase / lipase / protease) to break down food molecules
- The pancreas is part of the digestive system / an organ system
- The pancreas works alongside other organs (e.g. stomach / small intestine / liver) to digest food / break down molecules for absorption
Key terms in this question
tissue · organ · organ system
Related
- Revision notes: Animal tissues, organs and organ systems →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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