What is the physiology of pancreas?

Exocrine function

The exocrine pancreas produces enzymes that help digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These enzymes are secreted into the small intestine through the pancreatic duct.

- Carbohydrates: Amylase breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars, such as glucose.

- Proteins: Proteases, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, break down proteins into amino acids.

- Fats: Lipases, such as pancreatic lipase, break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

The secretion of pancreatic enzymes is controlled by a number of hormones, including:

- Cholecystokinin (CCK): CCK is released by the small intestine in response to the presence of fat. CCK stimulates the pancreas to secrete enzymes and bicarbonate.

- Secretin: Secretin is released by the small intestine in response to the presence of acid. Secretin stimulates the pancreas to secrete bicarbonate.

- Gastrin: Gastrin is released by the stomach in response to the presence of food. Gastrin stimulates the pancreas to secrete enzymes.

Endocrine function

The endocrine pancreas produces hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels. These hormones are secreted into the bloodstream.

- Insulin: Insulin is released by the pancreas in response to high blood sugar levels. Insulin helps cells take up glucose from the blood.

- Glucagon: Glucagon is released by the pancreas in response to low blood sugar levels. Glucagon helps the liver release glucose into the blood.

The secretion of pancreatic hormones is controlled by a number of factors, including:

- Blood sugar levels: Insulin is released when blood sugar levels are high, and glucagon is released when blood sugar levels are low.

- Amino acids: Amino acids stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin.

- Fatty acids: Fatty acids stimulate the pancreas to secrete glucagon.

Pancreatic juice

Pancreatic juice is the fluid that contains pancreatic enzymes and bicarbonate. Pancreatic juice is secreted into the small intestine through the pancreatic duct.

The composition of pancreatic juice varies depending on the composition of the food being digested. For example, pancreatic juice that is secreted in response to a high-fat meal contains more lipase than pancreatic juice that is secreted in response to a high-carbohydrate meal.

Pancreatic disorders

A number of disorders can affect the pancreas, including:

- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be caused by a number of factors, including alcohol abuse, gallstones, and certain medications.

- Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer.

- Diabetes mellitus: Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. Diabetes mellitus can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and blindness.