Pancreas

The Pancreas

The pancreas is located in the lower abdomen (belly). It is a component of your gastrointestinal system. The pancreas is an organ as well as a gland. Glands are organs in the body that generate and release chemicals. The pancreas has two primary functions: Exocrine function: Generates chemicals (enzymes) that aid digestion. Endocrine function: Secretes hormones that regulate the quantity of sugar in the circulation. This article will delve deeper into the functions of the pancreas.

Exocrine function

Your pancreas is lined by exocrine glands. It creates enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food (digestion). The pancreas produces 3 enzymes lipase, amylase, and protease. Lipase is a fat-breaking enzyme that works with bile (a fluid generated by the liver). Amylase is a protein that breaks down carbs for energy. Protease helps degrade proteins. The process of the pancreas starts when food hits the stomach. Pancreatic enzymes are then released into tiny ducts which feed into the main pancreatic duct which feeds into the bile duct. The pancreatic enzymes go down this duct and enter the duodenum to help break down food.

Bicuspid Valve

The endocrine glands in your pancreas produce hormones that regulate blood sugar levels (glucose).Without hormones that regulate glucose, the chance of diabetes rises exponentially. Without a pancreas, someone would have to take glucose pills for the rest of their life to help them adjust. The hormone that are produced by the pancreas are insulin and glucagon. Insulin helps lower blood sugar levels so that it doesn’t get too high. Glucagon raises blood sugar levels so they don’t get too low.. To aid your kidneys, liver, and brain, your body needs regulated blood sugar. To function properly, your heart, circulatory system, and neurological system all require regulated amounts of insulin and glucagon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pancreas is one of the most important organs in the entire body. It helps the body survive and function by regulating sugar. It helps in every system from the cardiovascular system to the nervous system to the digestive system.Without the pancreas, Humans would have to live through pills. The pancreas is truly a wonderful thing.