Guiding Questions
- What is the pancreas?
- What are the parts of the pancreas?
- What are the functions of the pancreas?
Overview
The pancreas is a large gland located in the belly that helps with regulating digestion and blood sugar. It is part of both the digestive and endocrine systems. It makes enzymes and hormones, which are both vital components for the body to function. It is known to look like a tadpole, with one end being thick and the other being thin.
Parts of the Pancreas
The pancreas lies across the upper abdomen, with the head on the right side and the tail extending toward the left. It is composed of four key parts.
The head is the wide part of the pancreas. It rests on the curve of the duodenum, which is a part of the small intestine.
The neck is the short part that stretches from the head.
The body is the middle part of the pancreas that extends upward. It is located between the neck and the tail.
Finally, the tail is the thinnest part. It is located near the spleen.
Functions of the Pancreas
The pancreas has 2 very important roles. Each of these roles are part of a different body system.
The pancreas helps the digestive system by making a fluid called pancreatic juice, which is rich in enzymes. These enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions and help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the food you eat. Pancreatic juice flows from small ducts inside the pancreas into the main pancreatic duct. This duct joins with the common bile duct, which carries bile from the liver and gallbladder. Together, the bile and pancreatic juice enter the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, where they work to digest food.
It also helps the endocrine system by producing hormones. Hormones help regulate various aspects of the body, such as blood sugar. Insulin, for example, is a hormone that lowers blood sugar when it is too high. Glucagon helps increase it when it is too low.
Pancreas Blood Tests
When a healthcare provider predicts a problem with the pancreas, they may order a specific type of medical test to be conducted called a pancreas blood test. This test helps analyze the levels of two very important enzymes produced by the pancreas: amylase and lipase, which are found in the bloodstream.
- Amylase helps the body digest carbohydrates. However, high levels could be a sign of pancreas disease.
- Lipase helps the body digest fats. An elevated lipase level could also indicate a pancreas condition.
Review
- What is the wide part of the pancreas called? The Head
- What is the thinnest part of the pancreas called? The Tail
- What does the pancreas produce to help the digestive system? Enzymes
- What does the pancreas produce to help the endocrine system? Hormones
- What type of medical test checks for pancreas disease by analyzing enzyme levels in the bloodstream? Pancreas Blood Tests
DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The blog post and everything contained on it is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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