Pancreas

Introduction

The pancreas is an abdominal organ surrounded by the spleen, liver and small intestine and is placed behind the stomach. It is an essential element of the digestive system that regulates blood sugar levels.

The pancreas releases digestive juices into the duodenum. Sugar, proteins and lipids are all broken down by these enzymes. In addition, islets of Langerhans are located in the pancreas and release hormones such as insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.

Location of Pancreas

The pancreas is a lengthy gland that secretes digestive fluids into the small intestine and is placed behind the stomach. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and front of the spine.

The head of your pancreas is located on the right side of your body. The duodenum, the initial portion of your small intestine, contains this tiny organ. The tail of your pancreas is located on the left side of your body.

Parts of the Pancreas

The anatomy of the pancreatic includes:

• Head: The head of the pancreas is the broader section of the organ that sits in the bend of your duodenum
• Neck: The small pancreas section that extends from the head is known as the neck
• Body: Between the head and the neck is the body of the pancreas, which extends upward
• Tail: The tail of the pancreas is the narrowest section of the organ, positioned near the spleen

Pancreas Function

The pancreas is responsible for the following tasks:

Exocrine Gland Function

The pancreas is made up of exocrine glands that generate the digestive enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin. These enzymes include chymotrypsin and trypsin for protein digestion, amylase for carbohydrate digestion and lipase for fat digestion. These pancreatic secretions are released into the duct system when food enters the stomach, culminating in the pancreatic duct.

Endocrine Gland Function

Islets of Langerhans, which are found in the endocrine section of the pancreas, release insulin and glucagon straight into the bloodstream. They aid in the body’s regulation of blood sugar levels.

Pancreatic Hormones

Inside your pancreas, a variety of cell types create hormones. Hormones are released into your bloodstream and transmit messages to different sections of your digestive system, unlike enzymes, which are delivered into your digestive system. For example, the pancreas produces the following hormones:

• Insulin. Beta cells, which are found in the pancreas, produce this hormone. About 75 percent of pancreatic hormone cells are beta cells. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the utilization of sugar for energy. When you don’t have enough insulin, your blood sugar levels rise and you acquire diabetes

• Glucagon. Alpha cells make up roughly 20% of the hormone-producing cells in your pancreas. They produce glucagon. When your blood sugar falls too low, glucagon helps to boost it by signaling your liver to release sugar stored in your body

• Gastrin and amylin. Gastrin is primarily produced in the G cells of the stomach, and it is also produced in the pancreas. It promotes the production of gastric acid in your stomach. Amylin is a substance produced by beta cells that aid in appetite regulation and stomach emptying

Digestive Enzymes in the Pancreas

Pancreatic juice is a mixture of digesting enzymes secreted by the pancreas. The following are some of them:

1. Trypsinogen: It is a protein that is produced by the digestive enzyme trypsin.

The enzyme enterokinase converts this inactive protease to trypsin. In turn, trypsin is in charge of breaking down proteins into amino acids.

2. Chymotrypsinogen: Enterokinase or trypsin enzymes  activate this dormant protease, converting it to chymotrypsin. On the other hand, chymotrypsin is in charge of breaking down proteins into aromatic amino acids.
3. Carboxypeptidase: It’s a protease that’s in charge of breaking down proteins into amino acids.
4. Pancreatic Lipase or Steapsin: It facilitates the breakdown of emulsified fat into glycerol and fatty acids.
5. Pancreatic Amylase: It’s in charge of breaking down the remaining starch into maltose.

Pancreatic Diseases

1. Pancreatic illnesses may be difficult to diagnose due to the inaccessibility of the pancreas.
2. Pre-cancerous conditions, pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer are all disorders that affect the pancreas. Each condition has its own set of symptoms and requires its own set of treatments.
3. There are two types of pancreatitis, according to their pathogenesis. Acute pancreatitis is a type of pancreatitis that appears suddenly and lasts only a few days. If correct medical care is given, the condition usually disappears in a few days.
4. Aside from that, chronic pancreatitis is more likely to occur following an acute pancreatitis episode. It is a long-term condition that can last several years.
5. Alcohol use, infections, medicines, gallstones, autoimmune illnesses, trauma and surgery are some of the most common causes of pancreatitis.

Knowing the Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatitis

When a person has pancreatitis, they frequently have pain in the upper abdomen. Depending on the situation, the pain may be immediate or gradual. The discomfort usually goes away when you eat something, but it might also get worse. In the majority of instances, there is also gallbladder and ulcer pain. Abdominal discomfort is a symptom of acute pancreas inflammation. In the event of chronic pancreatitis, however, the patient may not feel any discomfort at all.

Acute Pancreatitis Signs and Symptoms could Include;

• Abdominal pain that frequently radiates to the back
• Pain that gets worse after eating
• Nausea and a desire to vomit
• Abdominal aches and pains
• Weakness and lethargy
• Chills as well as a fever

Conclusion 

Inside your pancreas, a variety of cell types create hormones. Hormones are released into your bloodstream and transmit messages to different sections of your digestive system.The pancreas is an abdominal organ surrounded by the spleen, liver and small intestine and is placed behind the stomach.I hope now you understand all about the pancreas. By reading this information, you will clear all your doubts.