Prime Functions of the Pancreas

The Pancreas is a large flattened gland that is located in the abdomen, just next to the small intestine. It is one of the most crucial components of the digestive system, and plays a prime role in controlling the blood sugar levels in the body. It also assists in converting the consumed food into the essential fuel required by the body cells.

Two of the prime functions of pancreas:

· Exocrine Function: The Pancreas feature exocrine glands that produce enzymes that are crucial in the digestion process. These enzymes contain lipase for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrate digestion, and also chymotrypsin and trypsin for the digestion of proteins. These pancreatic juices are subsequently released into a system of ducts when food enters the stomach. The pancreatic duct then joins the common bile duct, forming the ampulla of Vater.  This ampulla is located in the duodenum, and the pancreatic juices released into it help the body to digest fats, carbohydrate and proteins.

· Endocrine Function: The endocrine elements of the pancreas include the islet cells that release crucial hormones like glucagon and insulin directly into the bloodstream. These hormones assist in balancing the blood sugar levels in the body, which is vital in the proper functioning of various organs, including kidneys, liver and brain.  

Being an extremely crucial gland of the body, you should ideally contact the best pancreas specialist in Gangaram hospital and other such renowned healthcare facilities of the country in case you face any problems relating to it. One of the most common ailments related to this gland is Pancreatitis, in which essentially the pancreas becomes inflamed. This ailment essentially develops when the vital digestive enzymes get activated before being released into the small intestines, and they subsequently start attacking the pancreas.

Pancreatitis can be of two types, namely acute and chronic pancreatitis. Some of their symptoms are:

Acute pancreatitis symptoms:

· High abdominal pain

· Fever

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· tender and swollen abdomen

· Rapid pulse

Chronic pancreatitis symptoms:

· Upper abdominal pain

· Oily and smelly stools

· Severe weight loss

Severe cases of pancreatitis may lead to cyst formation, bleeding into the glad, extensive tissue damage and infection.  Therefore, in case you notice these symptoms in yourself or any of your loved ones, contacting a pancreas specialist in Gangaram hospital  and other such renowned healthcare facilities of the country like would surely be a good idea.