# 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.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The pancreas is made of different tissues working together / is an aggregation of tissues performing a specific function
2. The pancreas produces enzymes (amylase / lipase / protease) to break down food molecules
3. The pancreas is part of the digestive system / an organ system
4. The pancreas works alongside other organs (e.g. stomach / small intestine / liver) to digest food / break down molecules for absorption

## Key terms

- [tissue](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/tissue)
- [organ](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/organ)
- [organ system](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/organ-system)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-pancreas-acts-as-de29eb3d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.