THE PANCREAS

 The pancreas is located in the abdomen, tucked behind the stomach. between the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum) and the spleen. It is shaped somewhat like a tadpole - fat at one end and slender at the other - and is around 25cm in length.

  
 The pancreas serves two distinct and vital functions;

1.  The exocrine pancreas

Once food has been mulched and partially digested by the stomach, it is pushed into the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The pancreas helps to digest food, particularly protein. Most of the pancreas is compose of cells called exocrine cells that produce digestive enzymes. Pancreatic enzymes flow from these cells through small ducts into the main pancreatic duct, which leads to the duodenum. Pancreatic juices contain enzymes that only become activated once they reach the duodenum. This is to prevent the protein-digesting enzyme trypsin from 'eating' the protein-based pancreas or its duct. Other enzymes produced by the pancreas include amylase (to break down carbohydrate) and lipase (to break down fats).

The exocrine pancreas also makes sodium bicarbonate, which helps to neutralise stomach acid entering the duodenum.

2.  The endocrine pancreas

The pancreas makes the hormone insulin, which helps to control blood sugar levels. Insulin is manufactured by a small clump of pancreatic cells called the 'islets of Langerhans'. High blood sugar levels prompt the release of insulin, so that the sugars can pass into cells. The endocrine pancreas also
makes glucagon, another hormone involved in the regulation of blood sugar.

For further information go to assets/documents/PANCREAS.doc