Question

what is the function of pancreas

Answer 1

The pancreas release a liquid called bile which helps in the proper digestion of food.

Answer 2

Thepancreasis an organ located in the abdomen. It plays an essential role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the body's cells. The pancreas has two main functions: anexocrine function that helps in digestion and anendocrinefunction that regulates blood sugar.Location of the PancreasThe pancreas is located behind the stomach in the upper left abdomen. It is surrounded by other organs including the small intestine, liver, and spleen. It is spongy, about six to ten inches long, and is shaped like a flat pear or a fish extended horizontally across the abdomen.The wide part, called the head of the pancreas, is positioned toward the center of the abdomen. The head of the pancreas is located at the juncture where the stomach meets the first part of the small intestine. This is where the stomach empties partially digested food into the intestine, and the pancreas releases digestive enzymes into these contents.The central section of the pancreas is called the neck or body.The thin end is called the tail and extends to the left side.Sections of the pancreas labeledSeveral major blood vessels surround the pancreas, the superior mesenteric artery, the superior mesenteric vein, the portal vein and the celiac axis, supplying blood to the pancreas and other abdominal organs.The pancreas with surrounding vessels and organsAlmost all of the pancreas (95%) consists of exocrine tissue that produces pancreatic enzymes for digestion. The remaining tissue consists of endocrine cells called islets of Langerhans. These clusters of cells look like grapes and producehormones that regulate blood sugar and regulate pancreatic secretions.Functions of the PancreasA healthy pancreas produces the correct chemicals in the proper quantities, at the right times, to digest the foods we eat.Exocrine Function:The pancreas contains exocrine glands that produceenzymesimportant to digestion. These enzymes include trypsin and chymotrypsin to digest proteins; amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates; and lipase to break down fats. When food enters the stomach, these pancreatic juices arereleased into a system of ducts that culminate in the mainpancreatic duct. The pancreatic duct joins thecommon bile ductto form theampulla of Vaterwhich is located at the first portion of the small intestine, called theduodenum. The common bile duct originates in the liver and thegallbladderand produces another important digestive juice calledbile. The pancreatic juices and bile that are released into the duodenum, help thebody to digest fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.Endocrine Function:The endocrine component of the pancreas consists of islet cells (islets of Langerhans) that create and release importanthormonesdirectly into the bloodstream. Two ofthe main pancreatic hormones areinsulin, which acts to lower blood sugar, andglucagon, which acts to raise blood sugar. Maintaining proper blood sugar levels is crucial to the functioning of key organs including the brain, liver, and kidneys.The pancreas, gallbladder and duodenumDiseases of the PancreasDisorders affecting the pancreas include pancreatitis, precancerous conditions such as PanIN and IPMN,and pancreatic cancer. Each disorder may exhibit different symptoms and requires different treatments.PancreatitisPancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when pancreatic enzyme secretions build up and begin to digest the organ itself. It can occur as acute painful attacks lasting a matter of days, or it may be a chronic condition that progresses over a period of years.Learn aboutpancreatitis, its causes, and treatment optionsin the pancreatitis section of this site.Precursors to Pancreatic CancerThe exact cause of pancreatic cancer is still unknown, but there areknown risk factors that increase the risk of developing the disease.