The Pancreas Is A Crucial Organ
What is the pancreas? Most people know what organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys do, but fewer are familiar with the pancreas and what role it serves. The pancreas is multipurpose because it serves more than one function in the body. The pancreas is only about six inches long and is nestled in the upper part of the abdominal cavity behind the stomach. Since it plays a vital in the digestion of food, and is therefore located in close proximity to other organs involved in the digestive process which includes the stomach, liver, gallbladder and the small intestine.
The Dual Role of the Pancreas
The digestive role. The pancreas helps the intestines absorb nutrients from food intake. It does this by secreting digestive enzymes that break down the three main dietary components - protein, fat and carbohydrates. It secretes these enzymes in an inactive form. The inactive enzymes travel down the pancreatic duct to the bile duct where they enter the small intestines at the first level called the duodenum.
Once in the duodenum, the enzymes are activated to a form that helps to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates along with bile from the gall bladder. The pancreas also secretes bicarbonate to neutralize the acidic stomach contents once they enter the duodenum.
Production of hormones. The role of the pancreas as a digestive function is is a critical role, but it also has the crucial function of producing hormones that help regulate blood sugar. Blood sugar stays within a fairly narrow range thanks to regulation by a proper functioning pancreas. The pancreas produces three different hormones called insulin, glucagon and somatostatin. Their role is controlling the proper balance of blood sugar.
Insulin, which increase after a meal, directs glucose into cells where it can be used for immediate energy or is stored for later use.
Glucagon comes into play when a person hasn’t eaten in several hours and their blood sugar level starts to drop. When this happens, glucagon signals the liver to release glucose from stored glycogen to help raise blood sugar levels.
Somatostatin regulates the secretion of insulin, glucagon and hormones involved with digestion. It’s a carefully orchestrated system to keep blood sugar levels normal.
Diseases That Affect the Pancreas
Two main functions of the pancreas are quite distinct from one another. Unfortunately, things can go wrong with the pancreas that can have very serious effects. At best may be digestive enzyme supplements or strict diets to combat the effects of blood sugar imbalances. At worst are life- threatening diseases.
Type 1 Diabetes. In people who have Type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas cells that produce insulin are not functional and do not produce insulin. These people will need to take insulin injections for the rest of their life to replace the insulin the pancreas can’t make. Those that have Type 1 Diabetes face many other potential problems associated with diabetes.
Pancreatitis. This condition is generally a severe pancreas inflammation that can be life threatening and excruciatingly painful. The "acute" form is most often caused by gallstones, a diseased gallbladder or blocked bile ducts. It can last for both short and long durations. The more serious "chronic" form is commonly caused by the excessive abuse of alcohol. Studies show that Chronic Pancreatitis substantially increases the future risk of being stricken with pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer. This is the deadliest type of cancer. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths with only a five-year survival rate of less than 6%. Over 96% of pancreatic cancer originates within the "exocrine" component of the pancreas which creates enzymes that are instrumental for food digestion. This type of cancer is generally called "adenocarcinoma". Cancer of the "endocrine" component which produces hormones is far less common.
More Informative Reading
Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer Foundation does not intend to provide specific medical advice. It only provides general information to help users better understand their health. SMF urges all users to always consult with qualified physicians for any diagnosis or answers to specific questions.
