Pancreas

Pancreas

An elongated retroperitoneal organ with head, neck, body, and tail regions. The head is nestled in the C-curve of the duodenum. The main pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct at the hepatopancreatic ampulla (of Vater). Islets of Langerhans are scattered endocrine clusters.

Type Organ
Body System Digestive
Body Region Abdomen
Parent Structure viscus
Latin Name Pancreas
FMA ID 7198

Function

A dual-function organ with exocrine function (producing digestive enzymes including lipase, amylase, and trypsin) and endocrine function (producing insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin for blood glucose regulation).

Clinical Significance

Diabetes mellitus results from insufficient insulin production (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2). Acute pancreatitis is commonly caused by gallstones or alcohol. Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pancreas?
An elongated retroperitoneal organ with head, neck, body, and tail regions. The head is nestled in the C-curve of the duodenum. The main pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct at the hepatopancreatic ampulla (of Vater). Islets of Langerhans are scattered endocrine clusters.
What is the function of the Pancreas?
A dual-function organ with exocrine function (producing digestive enzymes including lipase, amylase, and trypsin) and endocrine function (producing insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin for blood glucose regulation).
What body system is the Pancreas part of?
The Pancreas is part of the Digestive.
What conditions affect the Pancreas?
Diabetes mellitus results from insufficient insulin production (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2). Acute pancreatitis is commonly caused by gallstones or alcohol. Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers.
Where is the Pancreas located?
The Pancreas is located in the Abdomen region of the body.

Related Structures

1st arch mandibular endoderm endoderm of mandibular component 1st arch maxillary endoderm endoderm of maxillary component alimentary part of gastrointestinal system alimentary system anterior ectodermal midgut anterior intestinal portal fovea cardiaca anus anal opening associated mesenchyme of foregut-midgut junction baleen feeding system

Medical Disclaimer

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