Pancreas: Definition, Function, Diagram, Examples

What Is the Pancreas?

The pancreas is an organ of the human body that plays important roles in both the digestive and the endocrine systems. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach whose functions are the manufacture of enzymes that help in digestion and hormones regulating the levels of sugar in the blood.

Structure of the Pancreas

The structure of the pancreas is discussed below:

Parts of the Pancreas

• Head: Widest part which lies in the curve of the duodenum.

• Body: Middle portion that extends behind the stomach

• Tail: Narrow end that lies near the spleen

Location

• Placed in the upper abdomen

• Behind the stomach and in front of the spine.

Functions of The Pancreas

The pancreas performs dual functions: exocrine and endocrine. These functions are crucial for digestion and blood sugar homeostasis.

Exocrine Functions of the Pancreas

The exocrine function of the pancreas includes:

Digestive Enzymes

• Enzymes for digestion, including amylases, lipases, and proteases.

Enzyme Secretion Pathway

• Enzymes are secreted into the small intestine via the pancreatic duct

• Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are digested into small molecules

• Enzymes are crucial for efficient digestion and food assimilation.

Endocrine Functions Of The Pancreas

The endocrine functions of the pancreas are:

Islets of Langerhans

• The endocrine function is carried out by the Islets of Langerhans which contain different types of cells.

• Alpha cells: Produce glucagon (increase blood sugar).

• Beta cells: Produce insulin (decreases blood sugar).

• Delta cells: Produce somatostatin (regulate insulin and glucagon).

Blood Sugar Regulation

• Insulin and glucagon act antagonistically

• These hormones work in harmony with each other to maintain blood sugar

Pancreatic Duct System

The pancreatic ducts are a network of tubes Carroll 2014 that carry digestive enzymes from the pancreas into the small intestine. The main pancreatic duct joins the bile duct which opens into duodenum. Efficiently working ducts allow digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Disorders of the Pancreas

The pancreas can be subject to several disorders, each affecting its functioning. Some common pancreatic disorders are as follows:

Pancreatitis

• Inflammation of the pancreas.

• Causes: Gallstones, excessive alcoholic intake.

• Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness, nausea, vomiting

• Treatment: Fasting with increased fluids, pain management, surgery in some cases.

Pancreatic Cancer

• Dangerous disease with a high per cent of mortality.

• Risk factors: Smoking, obesity, family history.

• Symptoms: Jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain.

• Treatment: Surgical intervention, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the pancreas in producing or the inability of the body to use its produced insulin. There are two major types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes

• Immune system mistakenly attacks the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans

• Produces very little or no insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

• The body becomes resistant to the action of insulin or is unable to produce enough insulin required.

Management:

• Changes in lifestyle

• Medication along with insulin therapy.

Diagnostic Methods for Pancreatic Disorders

The outcome of the treatment to a large extent depends upon a proper diagnosis of pancreatic conditions. The health condition and functions of the pancreas can be diagnosed in the following ways.

Imaging Tests

• Ultrasounds

• Computed Tomography (CT) scan

• Endoscopic Ultrasound

Blood Tests

Blood tests are conducted for the diagnosis of pancreatic disorders through the measurement of the levels of some enzymes and hormones.

• Amylase and Lipase: Elevations in levels indicate pancreatitis.

• Blood Glucose Levels: Useful in the treatment of diabetes.

• Tumour Markers: e.g. CA 19-9 for pancreatic cancer.

Treatment and Management

The type of treatment employed for disorders of the pancreas would be determined by the nature of the problem and its degree of severity.

Medical Management

Medications and other medical interventions are usually the first line of treatment for disorders of the pancreas.

• Enzyme Supplements

• Insulin Therapy

• Pain Management

Surgical Treatment

• Pancreatic Resection

• Whipple Procedure (remove the head of the pancreas, the adjoining small intestine and a few other structures that lie near it)

• Drainage Procedures

Role of Pancreas In Digestion

The pancreas plays a very cooperative role with other digestive organ systems.

• It secretes enzymes into the small intestine that catalyze the digestion of various components.

• The pancreas produces bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.

• It ensures proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Recent Advances In Pancreas Research

Research into health and diseases of the pancreas is an ongoing process. Some new advances include:

• Treatment of pancreatic disorders

• Advances in management of diabetes

• Pancreatic regeneration.

• Genetic studies in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreas 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 answers 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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