Function of Pancreas

Pancreas was known to mankind since a long time. It was identified by a Greek surgeon Herophilus who lived from 335-280 BC. Pancreas can be defined as a gland organ, present in the endocrine and digestive system of all vertebrates. Pancreas is spongy and yellowish in color. The shape of pancreas resembles a that of a fish. Pancreas is about 15 cm in length and about 3.8 cm in width. Pancreas extends up to the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach region and is attached to the first section of the intestine which is called duodenum. As an endocrine gland, it produces hormones such as insulin, somatostatin and glucagon and as an exocrine gland it synthesizes and secretes pancreatic juices that contain digestive enzymes which are further passed into the small intestine. These digestive enzymes contribute to the breaking down of carbohydrates, fats and protein content present in the half digested food. Let's know about the function of pancreas in detail.

Pancreas Function
Pancreas is said to be a dual functioning gland, as it exhibits the properties of the endocrine as well as the exocrine glands.

Endocrine
This part of pancreas which performs endocrine function is formed out of millions of cell clusters. These cell clusters are known as the Islets of Langerhans. These islets consist of four types of cells, which are classified on the basis of the hormones they secrete. Cells secreting glucagon are called alpha cells. The cells secreting insulin are known as the beta cells while somatostatin is secreted by delta cells. Pancreatic polypeptide is secreted by the PP cells. The structure of islets comprises endocrine glands arranged in cords and clusters. The endocrine glands are crisscrossed by a thick chain of capillaries. These capillaries are lined up layers of endocrine cells which are in direct contact with the blood vessels. Some endocrine cells are in direct contact while the others are connected through cytoplasmic processes.

Exocrine
Exocrine pancreas generate digestive enzymes along with an alkaline fluid. Both of these are secreted into the small intestine through exocrine ducts. This function of secretion is performed in response to the small intestinal hormones called cholecystokinin and secretin. Digestive enzymes produced by the exocrine glands consist of chymotrypsin, trypsin, pancreatic lipase and pancreatic amylase. Digestive enzymes are actually produced by the acinar cells present in the exocrine pancreas. Cells lining the pancreatic ducts are called the centroacinar cells. The centroacinar cells secrete a solution rich in salt and bicarbonate contents into the intestine.

Thus the function of pancreas plays an important role in the activities of the body. Properly functioning pancreas is important as pancreatic problems can lead to diseases such as pancreatitis and diabetes. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of pancreas whereas diabetes is associated with the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Stopping alcohol consumption can cure pancreatitis. Exercising regularly and following a diabetic diet to control blood sugar levels can prove to be a good diabetes treatment option. But, as prevention is better than cure, it is best to prevent pancreatic problems and ensure a proper function of pancreas.