Pancreas

The pancreas is a small flat organ that is located behind the stomach and is next to the duodenum. It is connected to the duodenum via a tube called the pancreatic duct. It is yellowish and about 7 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.

What Does the Pancreas Do?

The pancreas contains enzymes producing cells that secrete the hormones insulin and glucagons. Insulin and glucagons are secreted directly into the bloodstream and together they regulate the level of glucose in the blood.

Insulin lowers the blood sugar level and increases the amount of stored carbohydrates in the liver. The stored carbohydrate is known as glucagons. Glucagon slowly increases the blood sugar level if it falls too low.

The pancreas also produces the body’s most important enzymes. Enzymes are used by the body to digest food and break down starch.

It also helps to neutralize chime and helps break down proteins, fat and starch. Chime is a thick fluid mass of partly digested food that is passed from the stomach to the duodenum. If the pancreas does not properly neutralize the chime, break down proteins, fats and starch, the body will not get adequate nutrients which may lead to starvation.

When food reaches the lower stomach and the duodenum, the organs tell the pancreas to secrete its digestive enzymes. The enzymes and other substances are produced in the pancreas and then transferred to the duodenum. It is here that the food is neutralized and fats, carbohydrates and proteins are broken down into smaller molecules to be used by the body.

Conditions that can affect the Pancreas

The most common diseases of the pancreas are pancreatitis in the form of acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis, and cancer of the pancreas.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. It is caused when the digestive enzymes from the exocrine pancreas become activated inside of the pancreas, instead of the duodenum and start digesting the pancreas itself. One will normally have abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Pancreatic Cancer

It is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the world. The risks of getting pancreatic cancer include smoking, age, gender, chronic pancreatitis and exposure to some chemicals.

Pancreatic Insufficiency

Pancreatic insufficiency is the inability of the pancreas to produce and/or transport enough digestive enzymes to break down food in the intestine and allow its absorption. It will normally occur as a result of progressive pancreatic damage.

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