Поджелудочная железа ( The pancreas )

The  pancreas

is an organ of the digestive system and endocrine system

Location

• The pancreas is about 6 inches long and sits along the back of the abdomen.
• The head of it is on the right side of the abdomen and is connected to the duodenum through a small tube called pancreatic duct.
• The thin end is called to tail that extends to the left side.

Function

The pancreas plays a role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the body’s.

two main functions:

• exocrine function that helps digestion
• endocrine function that regulates blood sugar

Exocrine

The pancreas plays a vital role in the digestive system. It does this by secreting a fluid that contains digestive enzymes into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine that receives food from the stomach. These enzymes help to break down carbohydrates, proteins and lipids (fats).

Endocrine

Cells within the pancreas help to maintain blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels are low, alpha cells secrete glucagon, which increases blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels are high beta cells secrete insulin to decrease glucose in blood.