The pancreas is located in the abdomen. It lies behind the stomach, in front of the spine, and is surrounded by the intestines and liver. The gland is approximately six inches long and resembles a compressed bunch of grapes. Proper pancreas function is essential for the production of a number of hormones and digestive enzymes. The Endocrine System: Insulin and Glucagon Production The pancreas plays an important... Read more >
Pancreatic enzymes play an important role in digestion. The enzymes travel to the small intestine, where they break down protein, fats and other nutrients. If pancreatic enzymes are unable to pass into the intestine, they begin to work on surrounding tissue, resulting in an inflamed pancreas and malabsorption. An inflamed pancreas, or pancreatitis, presents as both acute and chronic conditions. Acute... Read more >
The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that allows blood sugar to be used by the body as a source of energy. If insulin production drops, or if the body ceases to use the hormone properly, diabetes results. Type 1 Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and the Pancreas Type 1 diabetes, or juvenile diabetes, occurs when the pancreas no longer produces sufficient insulin to allow blood sugar to be used as energy. A number of... Read more >
Cystic fibrosis, or CF, is a genetic disease that affects the exocrine glands, including the pancreas. Exocrine glands are responsible for controlling perspiration, and the production of important digestive enzymes and the mucus lubricating the respiratory tract. Cystic fibrosis causes exocrine glands to malfunction, and thick mucus to develop in the lungs and pancreas, affecting lung capacity and... Read more >
Pancreatic cancer accounts for two percent of all cancer cases in the United States: every year 29,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease. Despite its low occurrence rate, it is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. A number of reasons account for the disease's high mortality rate. The gland is well protected by surrounding organs, making it impossible to palpate. Symptoms are vague... Read more >
Columbia University Department of Surgery. (nd). What is hyperhydrosis? Retrieved March 10, 2003, from hyperhydrosis.org/dd_hydrosis.html.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (nd). About cystic fibrosis. Retrieved March 6, 2003, from www.cff.org/about_cf/what_is_cf.cfm.Endocrine Search. (nd). Pancreas. Retrieved March 6, 2003, from endocrinesearch.com/Pancreas.htm.Gavaghan, M. (2002, June). The pancreas: Hermit of the... Read more >
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