An important part of the human body, the Pancreas basically is a large flattened gland that is located in the abdomen. It lies just beside the small intestine. The Pancreas is one of the key components of the digestive system and plays a major role in controlling the levels of blood sugar in the body. This gland also helps in converting the food consumed by people into the essential fuel that is required by the cells of their body.
Here are two of the prime functions of the pancreas:
- Exocrine Function: There are certain exocrine glands present in the pancreas that produce distinct enzymes, crucial to the digestion process. These enzymes ideally feature lipase for breaking fats, chymotrypsin, and trypsin for the digestion of proteins, as well as amylase for carbohydrate digestion. Also referred to as pancreatic juices, these enzymes are typically released into a system of ducts when food enters the stomach. The pancreatic duct subsequently connects to the common bile duct, thereby forming the ampulla of Vater. This ampulla lies in the duodenum, and the enzymes released into it essentially assist the body in the proper digestion of fats, carbohydrate, and proteins.
- Endocrine Function: There are islet cells present in the Pancreas that release important hormones like glucagon and insulin directly into the bloodstream. These islet cells are essentially known to be the endocrine elements of the pancreas. The hormones released with its help ideally aid in balancing the blood sugar levels of the body, which is quite vital in ensuring the smooth functioning of several important organs like kidneys, liver, and brain.
As this organ performs many crucial functions, any ailment related to it should not be taken lightly. It is thus advisable that on having the slightest trouble with this organ people contact the best pancreas specialists in Gangaram hospital or some other renowned healthcare facilities in the country. Some of the common medical conditions relating to this gland are as follows:
- Pancreatitis – A medical condition where the pancreas become inflamed
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Acute pancreatitis
- Pancreatic tumor – Cancer of the Pancreas
- Pancreatic pseudocyst – Development of a fluid-filled sac located near the abdomen.
For the diagnosis and treatment of any such medical condition, people should consult the best pancreas specialist in Gangaram hospital or some other renowned healthcare facility of the country at once where there are expert endocrinologists.
Dr. Vikas Singla 