What is the Pancreas & what does it do?
Many are unaware of the functionality, or even the existence, of the pancreas in the human body. The pancreas is a powerful, oblong, glandular organ that sits deep in the abdomen sandwiched between the stomach & the spine. The pancreas measures approximately 6-10 inches long. The head of the pancreas sits on the right side of the abdomen & is connected to the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.
The pancreas serves two main functions:
Many are unaware of the functionality, or even the existence, of the pancreas in the human body. The pancreas is a powerful, oblong, glandular organ that sits deep in the abdomen sandwiched between the stomach & the spine. The pancreas measures approximately 6-10 inches long. The head of the pancreas sits on the right side of the abdomen & is connected to the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.
The pancreas serves two main functions:
Endocrine function: The pancreas produces important hormones including insulin, somastatin & glucagon which regulates blood sugar. Insulin lowers the blood sugar while glucagon raises the blood sugar in the blood. These two main hormones work together to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Scattered throughout the pancreas are tiny clusters of cells called Islets of Langerhans.
Digestion: The pancreas secrets 3 digestive enzymes, (amylase), proteins, (trypsin) and fats (lipase) that aid in digestion of carbohydrates, fats & protein.
Digestion: The pancreas secrets 3 digestive enzymes, (amylase), proteins, (trypsin) and fats (lipase) that aid in digestion of carbohydrates, fats & protein.