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Pancreas

The pancreas is a long. tapered gland which lies across and behind the stomach.

The " head " (the right-hand end which is the broadest part of it) lies within the

curve of the duodenum. This gland secretes digestive juices which break down

fats, carbohydrates, proteins and acids; it also secretes bicarbonate, which

neutralizes stomach acid as it enters the duodenum. Some cells in the pancreas

secrete hormones which regulate the level of glucose in the blood. Most of the

pancreas consists of tissues which are embedded in " nested " cells. These cells

secrete the digestive enzymes into tubes which meet to form the main duct. This

duct joins the " cystic " duct (which carries bile from the gallbladder) and forms

a small chamber which opens into the duodenum. The cells of the pancreas are

surrounded by many blood vessels into which they secrete hormones (glucagon and

insulin) into the blood. Insulin regulates the use of glucose into all the body

tissues except the brain. If the pancreas fails to produce insulin or secretes

it in low quantities, the result is a serious disease called diabetes mellitus.

The Greek name " pancreas " , meaning " all flesh " or " all meat " , is descriptive of

the protein composition of this powerful organ which resembles a fish with a

large head and a long tail. Inside, the organ's appearance resembles a stalk

with clusters of grapes attached to it. The " stalk " is a long duct which runs

down the center of the pancreas and the " grapes " are clusters of cells which

flow into this duct and later into the duodenum for digestion of proteins, fats

and carbohydrates. If the ducts leading from the pancreas are blocked in some

way, the digestive fluids build up in the pancreas and may then become activated

so that they digest the pancreas itself! This condition is known as acute

pancreatitis. Pancreatic cancer has the worst prognosis of all the types of

cancer. This is probably because of the spongy, vascular nature of this organ

and its vital endocrine and exocrine functions. Pancreatic surgery is a problem

because of the soft, spongy, tissue it consists of that make it extremely

difficult to suture. By the way, Webster's Dictionary says the " pancratium " was

an ancient Greek athletic contest involving boxing and wrestling. Isn't that

interesting?

Link: http://www.innerbody.com/text/dige09.html

I hope this finds you and yours well

Mark E. Armstrong

casca@...

www.top5plus5.com

PAI NW Rep

ICQ #59196115