Pancreas
The pancreas is a unique organ with dual function: endocrine (hormones) and exocrine (digestive enzymes). It is located retroperitoneally at the level of the I–II lumbar vertebrae, has a length of 15–20 cm and a mass of 80–100 g.
Building
Anatomically, the gland is divided into:
- Head - covered by the horseshoe of the duodenum
- Body - crosses the spine on the left
- Tail - reaches the gate of the spleen
The main duct (of Wirsung) passes through the entire gland and flows into the duodenum along with the common bile duct through the Papilla of Vater.
Exocrine function (98% mass)
Acini are secretory units that produce pancreatic juice (1.5–2 l per day). It contains enzymes:
| Enzyme | Substrate |
|---|---|
| Trypsin, chymotrypsin | Squirrels |
| Lipase | Fats |
| Amylase | Carbohydrates |
| Nucleases | Nucleic acids |
Important detail: proteases (trypsin) are secreted in an inactive form (trypsinogen) and are activated only in the intestines. This protects the gland from self-digestion.
Endocrine function (2% weight)
Islets of Langerhans - about 1 million clusters of endocrine cells scattered among the acini:
- Beta cells (70%) – insulin (lowers blood glucose)
- Alpha cells (20%) – glucagon (increases glucose)
- Delta cells (5%) – somatostatin (regulates secretion)
- PP-cells - pancreatic polypeptide
Insulin is the only hormone that lowers blood glucose levels. He:
- Stimulates the uptake of glucose by cells
- Activates glycogen synthesis in the liver
- Stimulates the synthesis of fats and proteins
Diabetes mellitus
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune destruction of beta cells. Insulin is not produced. Treatment is lifelong insulin injections.
Type 2 diabetes - tissues lose sensitivity to insulin (insulin resistance). Accounts for 90% of all cases of diabetes.
Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis - self-digestion of the gland with its own enzymes. Causes: alcohol (40%), bile duct stones (40%). Severe forms have a mortality rate of up to 30%.
The anatomical location of the gland makes surgical interventions on it one of the most difficult in abdominal surgery.
3D anatomy atlas Humio - study the topography of the abdominal organs in an interactive format will help you consolidate your knowledge of the location of the pancreas and its ducts.