The pancreas is a compound gland that belongs to the digestive and endocrine systems, about 12.5 cm long, in the shape of a leaf, located behind the stomach, between the upper part of the intestine and the spleen.
In relation to its anatomy, the pancreas is composed of three main regions: the head, which is the part that fits into the duodenum, the body and the tail, which is the final part.
Pancreatic functions
This body has two functions:
- Exocrine pancreas, which has the function of producing digestive juices and enzymes that help break down proteins, sugars and fats into smaller pieces, so that they can pass into the intestine, aiding in the digestion of food and metabolism of nutrients; Endocrine pancreas, which plays an important role in the production of hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, which regulate the way the body uses sugars.
Because they have different functions, the exocrine and endocrine pancreas are made up of different cells, for example, the endocrine pancreas is formed by clusters of cells called acini that will produce pancreatic juice. Mixed with the acini are the Islets of Langerhans, which are isolated groups of cells that produce the hormones that control blood sugar levels.
Diseases that can affect the pancreas
Some types of situations involving this gland include:
- Diabetes in which pancreatic cells do not produce insulin, in the case of type 1 diabetes, or produce insufficient or normal insulin, but the body cannot use it, in the case of type 2 diabetes; Cancer in which the growth of malignant pancreatic cells occurs. Find out more details in Pancreatic Cancer; Annular pancreas, which is a congenital malformation in which a thin band of pancreatic tissue covers a portion of the duodenum causing obstruction that can be resolved with surgery; Pancreas divisum, which is a congenital anomaly in which the pancreatic ducts are not formed during pregnancy and which can be resolved with surgery; Ectopic pancreas, which is characterized by the presence of pancreatic tissue in other organs, which can be treated with medication or surgery; Pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas that is usually caused by gall bladder stones that move close to the pancreatic duct causing an obstruction. Learn more at: Pancreatitis; Pancreatic cysts, which are a kind of pouch with liquid or air that are removed through surgery.
People who consume alcohol excessively and have gallstones are more likely to develop pancreatic disease.
Symptoms of problems in the pancreas
Some signs and symptoms that can arise when this gland is affected are:
- Abdominal pain, which is one of the most common symptoms, can start suddenly and become progressively stronger and more continuous. It usually happens in the center of the abdomen, where it is located, spreading to the upper and lower part; Increased pain when the person lies on his back; Diarrhea with elimination of fat in the stool; Nausea and vomiting after feeding, usually associated to pain.
These symptoms help the endocrinologist to identify and diagnose any disease and thus start the appropriate treatment.
