Facts about Pancreas
The term "paper" comes from papyrus, the plant material used by the early Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
Many different neurotransmitters have been found within the pancreas including acetylcholine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, nitric oxide, and others (Salvioli et al.
The pancreatic duct or duct of Wirsung runs the length of the pancreas and empties into the duodenum at the ampulla of Vater.
The acre foot is often used in measuring the volume of water in a reservoir or aquifer.
The microscopic appearance of the pancreas shows a series of islands (the Islets of Langerhans) consisting of small cells packed closely together, surrounded by much larger and less dense acinar cells.
Due to the importance of its role in regulating blood glucose and digestion, malfunction of the pancreas is potentially very dangerous.
When the pancreas is sliced, stained, and then viewed with a microscope, it is easy to distinguish many different types of cells that correspond to different pancreatic functions.
The pancreas is an important organ for digestion and the control of circulating levels of glucose.
The portal vein is formed by the union of the superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein posterior to the neck of the pancreas.
The aqueous alkaline component of bicarbonate ions from the pancreas is at a much higher concentration than plasma (hypertonic) and varies from 70 meq./L.
The pancreas is a pinkish white glandular organ found in vertebrates near the stomach and small intestine.
Transverse section through the middle of the first lumbar vertebra, showing the relations of the pancreas.
The pancreas is one of the few organs that has both an exocrine and an endocrine function.
The pancreas is the second largest gland that is connected to the digestive tract, after the liver.
Autonomic sympathetic nerves to the pancreas derive from the celiac ganglionic plexus, the superior mesenteric plexus, and the hepatic plexus.
Secretin and cholecystokinin (CCK) are two hormones released by the mucosal cells of the duodenum, whose effect on the pancreas is to stimulate the production of aqueous alkaline and enzymatic secretions, respectively.
The pancreas' exocrine function involves the secretion of bicarbonate and digestive enzymes into the small intestine.
The endocrine function of the pancreas is to produce important hormones including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin and export them to the blood supply on demand.
A few hundred years later, Ruphos, another Greek anatomist, gave the pancreas its name.
Due to the importance of its role in regulating blood glucose and digestion, malfunction of the pancreas is potentially very dangerous.
Front of abdomen, showing surface markings for duodenum, pancreas, and kidneys.