Which gland secretes enzymes that help digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats?

The pancreas is a crucial organ in the digestive system that secretes a variety of enzymes specifically designed to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It produces digestive enzymes such as amylase, which aids in carbohydrate digestion; proteases, which break down proteins; and lipases, responsible for fat digestion. This enzymatic action is essential for the proper absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.

In contrast, while the liver produces bile important for fat digestion and detoxification processes, it does not directly secrete digestive enzymes like the pancreas. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile from the liver, rather than producing enzymes. The spleen, on the other hand, is primarily involved in filtering blood and part of the immune system, with no direct role in the digestive process. Thus, the pancreas is the only gland among the options that meets the requirement of secreting enzymes that assist in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.