Pancreas

The pancreas is a compound glandular organ; derived from the endoderm, and is located in the retroperitoneum associated with several vital structures, which complicate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Normally it has an average weight of 90 g, and is shaped like a tadpole, that is divided into four main anatomical areas: head, neck, body, and tail (7). The pancreatic head is the thickest portion of the pancreas and lies within the C-loop of the duodenum, to the right of the superior mesenteric and portal veins. The neck of the pancreas is the narrowest portion of the gland with a width less than 2 cm; lengthwise it traverses the mesenteric blood vessels anteriorly, connecting the pancreatic head and body. The pancreatic body is located between the neck and tail of the pancreas, and sits above the superior mesenteric artery and vein. The pancreatic tail extends from the pancreas body to the splenic hilum. The pancreatic duct (duct of Wirsüng) traverses the entire pancreas…

The earliest known description of the pancreas is attributed to Herophilus of Chalcedon (300 B.C.), a Greek physician deemed to be one of the first human anatomist and adopter of the scientific method (1). Despite Herophilus’s pioneering research on human anatomy, he received public criticism and was referred to as the ‘butcher’ of Alexandria – for his innumerable human dissections and gruesome vivisections performed before public audiences (2). The name ‘pancreas’ was later coined by Rufus…

The hormones that are produced by the Pancreas are Insulin, Glucagon, Pancreatic Polypeptide, Gastrin and Secretin. Insulin allows the body to use sugar or glucose levels from carbohydrates, for energy or to store glucose levels. The cells in the Pancreas, known as beta cells are signaled to deliver the Insulin into the bloodstream. The Insulin then signals the beta cells to absorb the sugar, that has been delivered from the bloodstream. The author of endocrine web says “Insulin is often…

The pancreas produces insulin, which is a hormone and its essential role is to help transfer glucose or blood sugar to the cells so that they can change it into energy. When you have diabetes this process can either be non-existent or only produce a little amount of insulin. When your sugars or glucose is elevated it’s called hyperglycemia, when sugars are low it is called hypoglycemia. I am the manager of a medical office, so I have performed a blood sugar prick before. When a diabetic or…

Pancreas Functions and Mal-Functions The Pancreas is a very essential gland within the human body. The pancreas has both endocrine functions as well as exocrine functions. Commonly referenced as a dual function gland. The pancreas is a rather large, solid gland that is roughly 10 inches long. It is located behind the stomach in the abdominal cavity. The shape of the pancreas is described as tadpole like. This essay will describe the functions of the pancreas along with the problems caused if…

abdomen around the center. The primary organ related to midepigastrum abdominal pain is the pancreas. In the abdomen, the pancreas is located behind the stomach, between the spleen and duodenum. It is a long, slender gland that has a head, body and tail (Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper & Bucher, 2014). Peritoneum covers the anterior portion of the pancreas, while inside consists of lobes and lobules. The pancreatic duct enters the duodenum through the common bile duct (Lewis et al., 2014). Arterial…

Core mechanisms The main organ involved with controlling glucose levels in the body is the pancreas. This organ contains specific areas known as the Islets of Langerhans which contain α cells and β cells. As this essay is focusing on the adverse effects of excess glucose in the body (hyperglycaemia) – the β cells will primary be studied as these act to lower blood glucose within the body. The cells do this by releasing a hormone known as insulin. [10] Figure 1 – Insulin Secretion…

To understand KBs diagnoses of pancreatitis it is first important to understand the function of the pancreas. The pancreas works as both an exocrine and endocrine gland. The endocrine portion of the pancreas includes the production of Insulin from beta cells, and glucagon from alpha cells which are released into the bloodstream to help regulate blood sugars.1 The pancreas works as an exocrine organ by secreting digestive enzymes that are released into the duodenum through the common bile duct…

The pancreas is one of the main organs in our body that is used for digestion of food1. The exocrine function of the pancreas is responsible for secreting digestive enzymes that are then used to digest the food we eat, leading to uptake of nutrients from the food, by the body1. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is a defect in those digestive enzymes1. This defect leads to the inability to break down food and therefore, difficulty absorbing the nutrients from food1. When the body is not able to…

This retrospective histological and immunohistochemical study was designed to evaluate the pathogenesis of pancreatic toxicity induced by patulin exposure and the role of goji extract to eliminate its toxicity. It has been reported that the relationship of the endocrine–exocrine parts of the pancreas is a complex one because of the close anatomical and functional links. The impairment of the endocrine part of the pancreas has a marked effect upon its exocrine component. It was stated that islet…