[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
- Connected to the small intestine
- Approx 6 inches long
- Located more posterior in the body, against the spine
- Deep location makes diagnosis of pancreatic disease difficult1
[edit] Pancreas Health
Several factors impact the health of the kidneys, including blood sugar2, exercises and weight2, fat intake3, smoking3, and alcohol consumption.3
[edit] Pancreas Diseases
Some common pancreas problems are: acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and pancreatic enzyme insufficiency4
[edit] Pancreatic Acinar Cells
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
[edit] Pancreatic Islet of Langerhans Cells
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
[edit] Related Pages on Mahalo
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month | Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate | Insulin Resistance Syndrome | Digestive Health | Alcoholism | How to Quit Smoking | Abdominal Pain