Pancreatic Disorders & Therapy
Open Access

An Introduction of the Mixed Gland: Pancreas

Sahim Nawaz^{* *}Correspondence: Sahim Nawaz, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Email:

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Description

The pancreas is a vital organ located in the upper abdomen. It plays a crucial role in the digestive system by producing enzymes that help break down food and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. The anatomy of the pancreas, including its structure and function.

Anatomy of the pancreas

The pancreas is a long, narrow gland that is approximately 6 inches in length. It is located behind the stomach and in front of the spine. The pancreas is divided into three main regions:

Head: The head of the pancreas is located on the right side of the abdomen and is connected to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) by a small tube called the pancreatic duct.

Body: The body of the pancreas is located in the middle of the abdomen and is connected to the head and tail of the pancreas.

Tail: The tail of the pancreas is located on the left side of the abdomen and is connected to the spleen.

The pancreas is composed of two main types of tissue: Acinar tissue and islet tissue.

Acinar tissue: The acinar tissue of the pancreas is responsible for producing and secreting digestive enzymes. The acinar cells are arranged in clusters called acini, which are connected to small ducts that empty into the pancreatic duct. The pancreatic duct then empties into the duodenum.

Islet tissue: The islet tissue of the pancreas is responsible for producing and secreting hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. The islet tissue is made up of clusters of cells called islets of Langerhans. The islet cells include alpha cells, which produce glucagon, and beta cells, which produce insulin.

Function of the pancreas

The pancreas has two main functions: Exocrine and Endocrine.

Exocrine function: The exocrine function of the pancreas is to produce and secrete enzymes that help break down food in the small intestine. These enzymes include amylase, lipase, and proteases.

Endocrine function: The endocrine function of the pancreas is to produce and secrete hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. These hormones include insulin and glucagon.

Blood supply to the pancreas

The pancreas receives blood from two main sources: The celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery.

Celiac artery: The celiac artery is a large artery that supplies blood to the upper abdominal organs, including the pancreas.

Superior mesenteric artery: The superior mesenteric artery is another large artery that supplies blood to the lower abdominal organs, including the pancreas.

Innervation of the pancreas

The pancreas is innervated by the autonomic nervous system, which is composed of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Sympathetic nervous system: The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the release of enzymes from the pancreas and reduces blood flow to the pancreas.

Parasympathetic nervous system: The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates the release of hormones from the pancreas and increases blood flow to the pancreas.

Conclusion

The pancreas is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in the digestive system and the regulation of blood sugar levels. Understanding the anatomy of the pancreas, including its structure and function, is important for understanding how the organ works and how it can be affected by disease. If you are experiencing symptoms related to the pancreas, such as abdominal pain or changes in blood sugar levels.