An elongated gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones regulating blood sugar.
Structure
The pancreas is roughly 15 centimeters long with a head, neck, body, and tail. About 99 percent of its tissue is exocrine, made of clustered acinar cells. The remaining 1 percent consists of the islets of Langerhans.
Exocrine function
Acinar cells produce a daily output of roughly 1 to 1.5 liters of pancreatic juice containing amylase, lipase, and protease enzymes, plus bicarbonate to neutralize acidic chyme entering the duodenum.
Endocrine function
Islet cells release insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide directly into the bloodstream to regulate glucose, appetite, and digestive activity.
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Pancreas starts with P and ends with S. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
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