Pancreas: Definition and Functions

Pancreas

The pancreas, an abdominal organ located behind your stomach and surrounded by the spleen, liver and the small intestine. It regulates blood sugar and is an essential part of the digestive system.

The duodenum is supplied with digestive enzymes from the pancreas, including amylase, proteases and lipase. These enzymes are responsible for digesting sugar, protein and fat. The pancreas secretes hormones like insulin and glucagon through the Langerhans islets.

Pancreas location

The abdomen is where the pancreas can be found. It is located between the stomach and the spine. The second part is located in the curve of small intestine, also known as the duodenum.

The pancreatic duct connects the head of the pancreas to the duodenum via the pancreatic conduit. The tail of the pancreas is located to the left of the body.

Pancreatic Diseases

The inaccessibility of the pancreas can make it difficult to evaluate pancreatic disease.

Precancerous conditions, pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic inflammation are all possible disorders that can affect the pancreas. Each disorder has different symptoms and requires different treatment.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis refers to swelling caused by the release of pancreatic enzymes and the subsequent digestion of the organ. You may experience painful symptoms or it could be a long-lasting condition.

Pancreatic Cancer Precursors

Although the primary cause of pancreatic cancer remains unknown, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing it. Smoking and hereditary cancer syndromes are two of these risk factors.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common form of pancreatic carcinoma. This is an exocrine tumor that develops from cells in the pancreatic tube. The endocrine tumor is less than 5% and is also known as neuroendocrine.

Function of the Pancreas

These are the functions of the pancreas:

Exocrine Function

Exocrine glands in the pancreas produce enzymes like trypsin, chymotrypsin, which are vital for digestion. These enzymes include chymotrypsin, trypsin, and amylase to digest proteins and lipase for breaking down fats. When food is eaten, these pancreatic juices are released into the system and accumulated in the pancreatic duct

Endocrine Function

Islets of Langerhans are the endocrine portion of the pancreas. They release insulin and glucose directly into the bloodstream. They regulate blood sugar levels.

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.