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P like pancreas

P as in Pancreas

The pancreas is a gland organ that is located in the abdomen.  It is part of the digestive system and produces important enzymes and hormones that help break down foods.  The pancreas has an endocrine function because it releases juices directly into the bloodstream, and it has an exocrine function because it releases juices into ducts.

Enzymes, or digestive juices, produced by the pancreas are secreted into the small intestine to further break down food after it has left the stomach.  The gland also produces the hormone insulin and secretes it into the bloodstream in order to regulate the body's glucose or sugar level.

The pancreas is a 6- to 10-inch (18 to 25 cm) long organ located behind the stomach in the back of the abdomen.  It is spongy and shaped somewhat like a fish that is extended horizontally across the abdomen.  The head of the pancreas is the largest part and lays on the right side of the abdomen where the stomach is attached to the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum).  It is here where the stomach empties partially digested food into the small intestine and mixes with the secretions from the pancreas.

The tail or body of the pancreas -- its narrowest part -- extends to the left side of the abdomen next to the spleen.  There is a duct that runs the length of the pancreas, and it is joined by several small branches from the glandular tissue.  The end of this duct is connected to a similar duct that comes from the liver, which delivers bile to the duodenum.

There are two main types of tissue found in the pancreas: exocrine tissue and endocrine tissue.  Most of the pancreas -- about 95% -- is exocrine tissue that produces pancreatic enzymes to aid digestion.  A healthy pancreas makes about 2.2 pints (1 liter) of these enzymes every day.

The remainder of the pancreas is composed of hundreds of thousands of endocrine cells known as islets of Langerhans.  These grape-like cell clusters produce important hormones that regulate pancreatic secretions and control blood sugar.

For most people, the pancreas operates as it should with little mention or fanfare.  However, it is an organ and capable of malfunction.  For example, a pancreas that fails to produce enough digestive enzymes can lead to weight loss and diarrhea because of poorly absorbed food.  The islets of Langerhans are responsible for regulating blood glucose.  If these cells do not produce enough insulin, there is an increase in diabetes risk as blood glucose levels rise.

Pancreatitis is a disease characterized by acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas.  Inflammation can occur if the main duct from the pancreas is blocked by a gallstone or tumor.  This blockage results in pancreatic juices accumulating in the organ, which may damage the pancreas or lead to the pancreas actually digesting itself.  Pancreatitis is also known to be a complication associated with mumps, alcohol use, steroids, trauma, and drugs.

It is also possible for cancer to develop in the pancreas.  Often, it is difficult for physicians to spot the exact cause of pancreatic cancer, but it is often linked to smoking or heavy drinking.  Other risk factors include diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, liver problems, and stomach infections.  Pancreatic cancer is also more common in men than women and among African-Americans than among whites.

Maintaining a sensible, balanced diet and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking will help keep the pancreas healthy and functioning.