The Pancreas:
Anatomy of the pancreas:
The pancreas is an elongated organ located across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The right side of the organ, called the head, is the widest part of the organ and lies in the curve of the duodenum, which is the first section of the small intestine. The tapered left side extends slightly upward and is called the body of the pancreas, and ends near the spleen, referred to as the tail.
The pancreas is made up of two types of tissue:
- Exocrine tissue
The exocrine tissue secretes digestive enzymes. These enzymes are secreted into a network of ducts that join the main pancreatic duct, which runs the length of the pancreas.
- Endocrine tissue
The endocrine tissue, which consists of the islets of Langerhans, secretes hormones into the bloodstream.
Functions of the pancreas:
The pancreas has both digestive and hormonal functions:
- The enzymes secreted by the exocrine tissue in the pancreas help break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and acids in the duodenum. These enzymes travel down the pancreatic duct into the bile duct in an inactive form. When they enter the duodenum, they become activated. The exocrine tissue also secretes a bi-carbonate which neutralizes stomach acid in the duodenum.
- The hormones secreted by the endocrine tissue in the pancreas are insulin, glucagon and somatostatin. The insulin and glucagon regulate the level of glucose in the blood, while the somatostatin prevents the release of the other two hormones.
Common disorders of the pancreas:
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
