Pancreas: Functions and

possible problems
The pancreas is a gland organ. It is located in the abdomen. It is part of the digestive
system and produces insulin and other important enzymes and hormones that help
break down foods.
The pancreas has an endocrine function because it releases juices directly into the
bloodstream, and it has an exocrine function because it releases juices into ducts.

Enzymes, or digestive juices, are secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine.
There, it continues breaking down food that has left the stomach.

The pancreas also produces the hormone insulin and secretes it into the bloodstream,
where it regulates the body's glucose or sugar level. Problems with insulin control can
lead to diabetes.

Other possible health problems include pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Fast facts on the pancreas

Here are some key points about the pancreas. More detail is in the main article.

 The pancreas is a gland organ with a key role in digestion and glucose control.
 Problems related to the pancreas include diabetes and cancer.
 A healthful diet can contribute to maintaining a healthy pancreas.

Features
The pancreas is located in the abdomen and plays an important role in digestion.

The pancreas is an organ 6 to 8 inches long. It extends horizontally across the

abdomen.

The largest part lays on the right side of the abdomen where the stomach attaches to
the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.

At this point, the partially digested food passes from the stomach into the small
intestine, and it mixes with the secretions from the pancreas.

The narrow part of the pancreas extends to the left side of the abdomen next to the
spleen.

A duct runs the length of the pancreas, and it is joined by several small branches from
the glandular tissue. The end of this duct is connected to a similar duct that comes
from the liver, which delivers bile to the duodenum.
 Around 95 percent of the pancreas is exocrine tissue. It produces pancreatic enzymes
to aid digestion. A healthy pancreas makes about 2.2 pints (1 liter) of these enzymes
every day.

The remaining 5 percent comprises hundreds of thousands of endocrine cells known

as islets of Langerhans. These grape-like cell clusters produce important hormones
that regulate pancreatic secretions and control blood sugar.

Function
A healthy pancreas produces chemicals to digest the food we eat.

The exocrine tissues secrete a clear, watery, alkaline juice that contains several
enzymes. These break down food into small molecules that can be absorbed by the
intestines.

The enzymes include:

 trypsin and chymotrypsin to digest proteins

 amylase to break down carbohydrates
 lipase, to break down fats into fatty acids and cholesterol
The endocrine portion, or islets of Langerhans, secrete insulin and other hormones.

Pancreatic beta cells release insulin when blood sugar levels rise.

Insulin:

 moves glucose from the blood into muscles and other tissues, for use as energy
 helps the liver absorb glucose, storing it as glycogen in case the body needs energy
during stress or exercise
When blood sugar falls, pancreatic alpha cells release the hormone glucagon.
Glucagon causes glycogen to be broken down into glucose in the liver.

The glucose then enters the bloodstream, restoring blood sugar levels to normal.

Disorders
Problems with the pancreas can affect the whole body.

If the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, for example, food will
not be properly absorbed. This can lead to weight loss and diarrhea.

The islets of Langerhans are responsible for regulating blood glucose. Too little
insulin production will increase the risk of diabetes, and blood glucose levels will rise.

Pancreatitis

A flareup in pancreatitis can cause abdominal pain.

Pancreatitis refers to an acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas. It can lead to

secondary diabetes.

Inflammation can occur if the main duct from the pancreas is blocked by a gallstone
or tumor.

Pancreatic juices will accumulate in the pancreas, causing damage to the pancreas.
The pancreas may start to digest itself.

Pancreatitis can happen as a result of mumps, gallstones, trauma and the use of
alcohol, steroids, and drugs.

Acute pancreatitis is rare, but it needs immediate medical attention.

Symptoms include:
 intense abdominal pain, tenderness, and swelling
 nausea and vomiting
 fever
 muscle aches
Immediate treatment is normally with fluids and painkillers. Patients often do not
want to eat at the beginning, but if the pancreatitis is mild, they will start to eat again
relatively quickly.

If a secondary infection has occurred, surgery may be necessary.

Chronic pancreatitis can develop if acute pancreatitis happens repeatedly, resulting

in permanent damage.

The most common cause is alcohol abuse, and it mostly affects middle-aged men.

Symptoms include:

 persistent pain in the upper abdomen and back

 weight loss
 diarrhea
 diabetes
 mild jaundice

Hereditary pancreatitis can happen if there is an inherited problem in the pancreas

or the intestine. A person under 30 years of age may experience repeated acute
pancreatitis, leading to a chronic condition.

It is a progressive condition that can lead to permanent damage. The person may
experience pain, diarrhea, malnutrition or diabetes. Treatment aims to control pain to
replace lost enzymes.

Genetic testing is available for patients who may be at risk.

 Pancreatic cancer
Cancer can develop in the pancreas. The exact cause is often unknown, but it is often
linked to smoking or heavy drinking.

Other risk factors include:

 diabetes
 chronic pancreatitis
 liver problems
 stomach infections
Symptoms include:

 pain in the upper abdomen as the tumor pushes against the nerves
 jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes and darkening of the urine as the cancer
interferes with the bile duct and the liver
 loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
 significant weight loss and weakness
 pale or gray stool, and excess fat in the stool
Symptoms may not appear until the cancer is in the advanced stages. By then, it may
be too late for successful treatment. The prognosis for pancreatic cancer tends to be
poor.

Treatment usually involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination these.

Palliative treatment will focus on reducing the pain.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer in men in the United
States (U.S.) and the fifth in women. Over 37,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

Diabetes
 Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the immune system attacks
and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas so that they can no longer produce insulin.
The exact cause remains unknown, but it may be due to genetic and environmental
factors, including viruses.

Type 2 diabetes begins when the body's muscle, fat, and liver cells become unable to
process glucose. The pancreas reacts by producing extra insulin, but in time, it cannot
produce enough insulin. The body can no longer control blood glucose levels.

Other problems that can occur include:

 Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI): The pancreas does not produce enough
enzymes
 Pancreatic cysts: These can be removed by surgery if there is a risk of cancer
 Pancreatic fluid collections: Resulting from a range of conditions, this can lead to pain
and fever
 Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: A tumor known as a gastinoma develops in the pancreas
or duodenum

Maintaining a healthy pancreas

Following a balanced diet and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking will help
keep the pancreas healthy.
 Keeping hydrated is important for maintaining a healthy pancreas.

The National Pancreatic Foundation recommend:

 consuming no more than 20 grams of fat a day

 avoiding alcohol
 drinking plenty of water to keep hydrated