Pancreas

[edit] Guide Note

The pancreas is a small organ located in the upper abdomen. Its main function is to aide Digestiondigestion. It does so by producing insulin to regulate blood sugar, and digestive enzymes to digest food. ¹

[edit] Fast Facts

1. Connected to the small intestine
2. Approx 6 inches long
3. Located more posterior in the body, against the spine
4. Deep location makes diagnosis of pancreatic disease difficult¹

Several factors impact the health of the kidneys, including blood sugar², exercises and weight², fat intake³, smoking³, and alcohol consumption.³

Some common pancreas problems are: acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and pancreatic enzyme insufficiency⁴

These exocrine cells, or cells that make products that will exit the body⁵, produce enzymes that aid in digestion: proteases to break down proteins, lipases to break down fat, and amylase to break down carbohydrates.⁶

These endocrine cells, or cells that secrete products into the bloodstream, produce the hormones: insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.⁵ Insulin lowers blood sugar, while glucagon raises blood sugar.⁷ Somatostatin has varying effects on the nervous system, pancreas, digestive system, and pituitary gland.⁸