Pancreatic Disease
What is the Pancreas?
The pancreas is a gland situated in the upper abdomen lying on the posterior wall behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It weighs between 60 –100 grams and measures 12 .5 to15 centimetres in length. It manufactures pancreatic juices that aid digestion and important hormones such as insulin.
The pancreas makes about 20 digestive enzymes and associated cofactors. These are secreted by the pancreatic duct into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine joined to the stomach), where they bring about the digestion of dietary fats, proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. 80% of the cells of the pancreas make these digestive juices; this is known as the exocrine function of the pancreas.
The pancreas also secretes hormones directly into the blood. The most important of these is insulin, which controls the metabolism of glucose by the body. Clumps of pancreatic cells called the islets of Langerhans manufacture insulin and other hormones. This is referred to as the endocrine function of the gland.
Disorders of the pancreas may cause problems with digestion, or with insulin production, or a combination of both. Most commonly a deficiency of insulin causes diabetes mellitus (see diabetes mellitus guidance).
Pancreas (diagram)
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Amended April 2008
