Description

What is Pancreas? The pancreas is a glandular organ located in the abdomen, behind the stomach and nestled between the small intestine. It plays a crucial role in both the digestive and endocrine systems. Anatomy: The pancreas is roughly six to ten inches long and has a tadpole-like shape. It consists of three main regions: Head: The widest part of the pancreas, situated on the right side of the abdomen, nestled within the curvature of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Body: The central portion of the pancreas, extending horizontally across the abdomen behind the stomach. Tail: The narrower end of the pancreas, extending toward the left side of the abdomen and reaching toward the spleen. Physiology: The pancreas has dual functions: Exocrine Function: The exocrine pancreas produces and releases digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of food. These enzymes include: Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars like glucose. Lipase: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Proteases: Break down proteins into amino acids. These enzymes are released into the small intestine through the pancreatic duct, where they help to break down food particles into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. Endocrine Function: The endocrine pancreas consists of clusters of cells called the Islets of Langerhans, which are scattered throughout the pancreas. These islets contain different types of hormone-secreting cells, including: Alpha Cells: Secrete glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream. Beta Cells: Secrete insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells for energy and storage as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Delta Cells: Secrete somatostatin, which inhibits the release of both insulin and glucagon, helping to regulate their secretion. PP Cells: Secrete pancreatic polypeptide, which helps regulate appetite and food intake. These hormones help regulate blood sugar levels, ensuring that cells throughout the body receive a steady supply of glucose for energy. Functions: Digestion: The pancreas aids in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins by producing and releasing digestive enzymes into the small intestine. Regulation of Blood Sugar: The pancreas helps maintain blood glucose levels within a narrow range by secreting insulin and glucagon in response to changes in blood sugar levels. Hormonal Regulation: In addition to insulin and glucagon, the pancreas secretes other hormones that help regulate appetite, digestion, and other metabolic processes. Overall, the pancreas plays a crucial role in the digestion and regulation of nutrients in the body, making it essential for overall health and well-being. Dysfunction of the pancreas, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, can have severe consequences for digestion and metabolic regulation Common Disease of Pancreas are: Acute Pancreatitis Chronic Pancreatitis Pancreatic Injury Cancer of Pancreas Periampullary Cancer

Filter tags