Pancreas Function in Human Body: Roles with Detailed Explanation

What Is the Pancreas?

The pancreas is an exocrine gland located in the abdomen, having two roles: in the digestive system and as an endocrine organ. Knowing its functions is of principal interest for grasping how the body deals with digestion and maintains blood sugar levels within the organism.

Location and Structure of the Pancreas

The location and structure of the pancreas is discussed below:

Location

• The pancreas is situated in the upper abdomen.

• Projecting behind the stomach.

• Lies between the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, and the spleen.

Parts of the Pancreas

• Head: The wide part near the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.

• Body: The middle portion, extending horizontally along the abdomen.

• Tail: It reaches on to the spleen as the narrow part

Functions of the Pancreas

The function of the pancreas is discussed below:

Dual Nature of the Pancreas

The pancreas is an important organ placed behind the stomach and it performs both the exocrine (digestive) as well as the endocrine (endocrine system) functions. It is essential for survival and metabolic balance.

Exocrine Function of the Pancreas (Digestive Role)

The exocrine functions of the pancreas:

Digestive Enzymes Produced

The exocrine pancreas plays a significant role in the digestive process by producing and secreting pancreatic juice that contains the following digestive enzymes:

• Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars.

• Proteases (trypsin or chymotrypsin): Break down proteins into peptides and amino acids.

• Lipases: Break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Secretion Pathway

• Enzymes form pancreatic juice.

• It is then secreted into the small intestine through the pancreatic duct

• It plays a role in the digestion and absorption of food.

Endocrine Function of the Pancreas (Hormonal Role)

The endocrine functions of the pancreas:

Islets of Langerhans

The endocrine pancreas controls the levels of sugar in the blood by releasing hormones into the bloodstream via the islets of Langerhans:

• Insulin: Produced by beta cells of the pancreas, decreases blood glucose levels.

• Glucagon: Produced by the alpha cells, it increases blood sugar levels.

• Somatostatin: Produced by delta cells and modulates insulin and glucagon.

Control of Blood Sugar Level

Insulin and glucagon are balanced in the pancreas to maintain blood glucose homeostasis.

Role of Insulin

• Following a meal, blood glucose levels rise.

• The pancreas then releases insulin into the bloodstream.

• Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose by cell.

• Converts excess glucose to glycogen

Role of Glucagon

• Once the blood glucose has dropped too low, the pancreas releases glucagon

• This stimulates the liver to manufacture and secrete more glucose into the blood,

• Returning blood glucose levels to normal.

Disorders Related to Pancreatic Function

Dysfunction of the pancreas can give rise to several disorders.

Diabetes Mellitus

• Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of beta cells

• Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance or inadequate secretion

Pancreatitis

• This is a situation in which the pancreas gets inflamed.

• It could be caused by alcohol abuse and gallstones.

• This may impair both exocrine and endocrine functions.

Pancreatic Cancer

• It is a malignant growth in the pancreas

• Interferes with enzyme and hormone secretion

Pancreas Function NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Functions of Pancreas

• Disorders of Pancreas

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Organs functioning as modulators and effectors for homeostatic control of blood sugar are respectively (Concept - Homeostasis)

1. Liver and islets of langerhans

2. Islets of langerhans and hypothalamus

3. Hypothalamus and liver

4. Liver and duodenum

Correct answer: 1) Liver and islets of langerhans

Explanation:

Homeostasis is the property of the body system to maintain normal body functions and temperature. The liver and islets of Langerhans are involved in maintaining blood sugar levels. Pancrease has glucagon, an insulin hormone that regulates blood sugar levels on the other hand liver plays the main role in controlling the amount of glucose circulating in the blood. By storing excess glucose as glycogen and producing new glucose from protein and fat by-products.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Liver and islets of Langerhans.

Q2. The peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets is called _____.

1. Insulin

2. Secretin

3. Ghrelin

4. Cholecystokinin

Correct answer: 1) Insulin

Explanation:

Insulin is a peptide hormone made by pancreatic islet beta cells and encoded by the INS gene in humans. It is considered to be the body's primary anabolic hormone. Insulin is a peptide hormone made by pancreatic islet beta cells and encoded by the INS gene in humans. It is considered to be the body's primary anabolic hormone. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Additionally, insulin promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscle tissues, while inhibiting the breakdown of fats and proteins.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Insulin.

Q3. Name a peptide hormone which acts mainly on hepatocytes, and adipocytes and enhances cellular glucose uptake and utilization.

1. Insulin

2. Glucagon

3. Secretin

4. Gastrin

Correct answer: 1) Insulin

Explanation:

Insulin - Insulin is a peptide hormone, which plays a major role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Insulin acts mainly on hepatocytes and adipocytes (cells of adipose tissue) and enhances cellular glucose uptake and utilization

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Insulin.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Pancreas and its disorder

• Hormone Receptors

• Disorders of Pituitary Gland

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