Our pancreas is a very interesting, important organ, which plays a vital role in our digestive system. In short, it produces important enzymes and hormones that help break down the food that we eat.
The pancreas has an endocrine function, as it releases juices directly into the bloodstream, and into the various ducts of the body. Enzymes produced by this organ are secreted into the small intestine, to break down food after it has left the stomach.
The gland also produces insulin, and secretes it into the bloodstream in order to regulate the body's glucose or sugar level. It is about six to ten inches long, and is located behind the stomach, in the back of the abdominal cavity.
It is spongy in consistency, when it is healthy. The head of the pancreas is the largest part, and lays on the right side of the abdomen, where the stomach is attached to the small intestine.
The tail or body of the pancreas, which is its narrowest part, extends to the left side of the abdomen next to the spleen. There is a duct that runs the length of it, and it is joined by several small branches from the glandular tissue.
The end of this duct is connected to a similar duct that comes from the liver, which delivers bile to the duodenum. A healthy pancreas is able to produce the right chemicals, at the right times, in the right quantities, in order to properly digest the food we eat.
After our chewed food enters the duodenum, the exocrine endocrine tissues produce a watery, alkaline juice that contains several enzymes that break down food into small molecules, that can be absorbed by the intestines. The endocrine portion is composed of several cells that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the beta cells of this organ, in response to a rise in blood sugar. The hormone also moves glucose from the blood into muscles and other tissues, so they can use it for energy.
In addition, this insulin helps the liver absorb glucose, storing it as glycogen in case the body needs energy during stress or exercise. For most people, it operates as it should with little mention or fanfare.
However, it is a human organ, and thus capable of malfunction. For example, one that fails to produce enough digestive enzymes can lead to weight loss and diarrhea, because of poorly absorbed food.
Pancreatitis is a disease characterized by acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Inflammation can occur if the main duct is blocked by a gallstone, or tumor, in some cases.
This blockage results in juices accumulating in the organ, which may damage it, or lead to it actually digesting itself. Pancreatitis is also known to be a complication associated with mumps, alcohol use, steroids, trauma, and drugs.
Although acute pancreatitis is rare, it is serious, and does require immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include but are not limited to intense stomach pain, abdominal tenderness and swelling, nausea and vomiting, fever, and muscle aches.
It is sometimes first treated with painkillers. Patients will stop ingesting solid food, instead obtaining fluid and nourishment by intravenous means.
Sometimes surgery is required, depending on the circumstances, but not in every case. When acute pancreatitis repeats itself to cause permanent damage to the organ, the condition is labeled as chronic.
Alcohol abuse can be the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis, mostly affecting middle-aged men. The condition has symptoms such as persistent pain in the upper abdomen and back, weight loss, diarrhea, diabetes, and mild jaundice.
It is also possible for cancer to develop in this area. Often, it is difficult for physicians to spot the exact cause of the cancer, but it is often linked to smoking, or heavy drinking.
Other risk factors include diabetes, liver problems, stomach infection, and more. This specific cancer is also more common in men than women, and more so among African-Americans than among Caucasians.
Symptoms may not appear until the cancer is in advanced stages, when it is often too late for successful treatment. The condition often causes pain in the upper abdomen from the tumor pushing against nerves.
There is often also a loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Patients usually undergo surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of treatments.
Often, the treatment's main focus is on reducing pain. If you feel you may be having any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away about a potential diagnosis.
Author Resource:-
Tommy Greene has worked in surgical equipment sales for the past 15 years. He has great advice and information on Electrosurgical units.
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