What is the Pancreas?

This endocrine organ is located in the back side of your abdomen, behind the stomach and connects to the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). This organ both produces and secretes endocrine hormones, but it as well excretes digestive enzymes (known as pancreatic juices) through bile ducts into the small intestine. These juices continue to breakdown carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and chyme. As apart of the endocrine system the Pancreas produces (synthesizes) and releases (secretes) hormones into the blood stream. These hormones are responsible for maintaining levels of glucose (sugar) and to regulate other hormones like the growth hormone.

Hormones of the Pancreas

Insulin: This hormone is created and released in the beta cells of the pancreas islets effecting the cells of the liver, muscle, and fat tissue telling them to absorb glucose from the blood, and stopping the use of fat as an energy source.When the pancreas cannot control the release of insulin Diabetes Mellitus type 1 occurs, when the body has a resistance to insulin, diabetes mellitus type 2 occurs. The Islets cells both monitor blood sugar levels and release hormones to maintain blood sugar.

Glucogan: Created and released in the Alpha islet cells of the pancreas, this hormone tells the liver to increase blood glucose levels (blood sugar). Blood sugar is a critical part of homeostasis because most of the cells in the body use glucose for energy, if the blood sugar is to low it results in hypoglycemia which can cause impairment, seizures, unconsciousness, rare permanent brain damage and possible death.

Somatostatin(Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone GHIH or Somatotropin release-inhibiting factor SRIF): This hormone is created and released in the Delta islet cells of the pancreas and is responsible for stopping the release of glucogon and insulin, as well stops the excretion of pancreatic juices.

Pancreatic polypeptide: is the polypeptide created and released by the PP cells in the pancreas, its exact effect are unknown but we have seen it affect the gall bladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme secretion. It as well encourages gastric emptying and relaxes the colon and gallbladder.