pancreas

pancreas /pan·cre·as/ (pan´kre-as) pl. pancre´ata   [Gr.] a large, elongated, racemose gland lying transversely behind the stomach, between the spleen and duodenum. Its external secretion contains digestive enzymes. One internal secretion, insulin, is produced by the beta cells, and another, glucagon, is produced by the alpha cells. The alpha, beta, and delta cells form aggregates, called islands of Langerhans.

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endocrine pancreas  that part of the pancreas that acts as an endocrine gland, consisting of the islets of Langerhans, which secrete insulin and other hormones.

exocrine pancreas  that part of the pancreas that acts as an exocrine gland, consisting of the pancreatic acini, which produce pancreatic juice and secrete it into the duodenum to aid in protein digestion.

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pan·cre·as (pngkr-s) n. pl. pan·cre·a·ta (png-kr-t) A lobulated gland without a capsule, extending from the concavity of the duodenum to the spleen, consisting of a flattened head within the duodenal concavity, an elongated three-sided body extending across the abdomen, and a tail touching the spleen, and secreting insulin and glucagon internally and pancreatic juice externally into the intestine. pancre·atic (pngkr-tk) adj.

pancreas cutaway view

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Pancreas

A five-inch-long gland that lies behind the stomach and next to the duodenum. The pancreas releases glucagon, insulin and some of the enzymes which aid digestion. Pancreatitis is the swelling of the pancreas which can nausea, jaundice, and severe pain and may be fatal.

Mentioned in: Adrenalectomy, Antiretroviral Drugs, Diabetes Mellitus, Diuretics, Hypotonic Duodenography, Insulin Resistance, Jaundice, Lipase Test, Pancreatectomy

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pancreas

[pan′krē·əs]

Etymology: Gk, pan, all, kreas, flesh

an elongated grayish pink lobulated gland that stretches transversely across the posterior abdominal wall in the epigastric and hypochondriac regions of the body and secretes various substances, such as digestive enzymes, insulin, and glucagon. It is divided into a head; a flattened, elongated body; and a tail in contact with the spleen. The head of the gland, divided from the body by a small constriction, is tucked into the curve of the duodenum. The tapered left extremity of the organ forms the tail. In adults the pancreas is about 13 cm long. A compound, mixed gland composed of exocrine and endocrine tissue, it contains a main duct that runs the length of the organ, draining smaller ducts and emptying into the duodenum at the major duodenal papilla, the same site that accommodates the entrance of the common bile duct.

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pancreas

a large, elongated, racemose gland located in the anterior abdomen between the liver, kidneys, stomach, spleen and duodenum.

The pancreas is composed of both exocrine and endocrine tissue. The acini secrete digestive enzymes, and small ductules leading from the acini secrete ions, mainly sodium and bicarbonate. The combined product, pancreatic juice, enters a long pancreatic duct and from there is transported duct to the duodenum. The pancreatic juice contains enzymes for the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. The bicarbonate ions in the pancreatic secretion help neutralize the acidic chyme that is passed along from the stomach to the duodenum.

The endocrine functions of the pancreas are related to the islets of Langerhans which occur throughout the pancreas. These small islands contain three major types of cells: the alpha, beta and delta cells. The alpha cells secrete the hormone glucagon, which elevates blood sugar. The beta cells secrete insulin, which affects the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The delta cells secrete somatostatin, the functions of which are not fully understood, but it is known that it can inhibit the secretion of both glucagon and insulin and may act as a controller of metabolic processes. The somatostatin produced by the delta cells of the pancreas is the same as that produced by the hypothalamus as an inhibitor of the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.

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pancreas disease

pancreatic atrophy of post-smolt Atlantic salmon caused by a togavirus infection; clinical signs include anorexia, emaciation. Called also sleeping disease.

endocrine pancreas

see pancreas (above).

exocrine pancreas

see pancreas (above).

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Patient discussion about pancreas.

Q. Can any one give me information about Carcinoma of the pancreas? What is the prognosis for carcinoma of the pancreas? I want to know as much as I can information on carcinoma of the pancreas.

A. I’m sorry to say that 95% people that have pancreatic carcinoma do not survive. Apparently the area around it and the pancreas itself is without sensory nerves. That means that when it starts to be painful – it’s much too late…this is a silent killer.
Sorry for the bad news…

Q. DO YOU KNOW HOW TO STOP YOUR PANCREAS FROM SPASMS, I HAVE A HARD TIME WHEN IT SEEMS MY PANCREAS IS ACTING UP IT HURTS SO BAD AND MY LIPIDS ARE HIGH HOW DO I GET RID OF THE PAIN OR CONTROLL IT.

A. the Pancreas does not have sensory nerves in it. this is the reason why pancreas cancer is the most deadly- you don't realize it's there until it's much too late. so this pain you describe does not ad up to be from the Pancreas.
i think this is a very good reason to see a Doctor.

Q. hello friend i want to know how to over come deseases related to stomach and pancreas and what are the remedi

A. you'll have to be specific. there are dozens of different diseases that affects the stomach & pancreas. and as far as i know- none of them is connected to bi-polar disorder.