what is the function of pancreas
http://pancreasmd.org/education_home.html
The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen, behind the stomach. Its main function is to produce enzymes and hormones that play a crucial role in digestion and regulating blood sugar levels.
To understand the function of the pancreas, we can break it down into two main areas:
1. Digestive Function:
- The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the food we eat. These enzymes are released into the small intestine, where they aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- The pancreas also produces sodium bicarbonate, a natural antacid, which is released into the small intestine to neutralize stomach acid and create a more alkaline environment. This is important because the enzymes produced by the pancreas work best in a slightly alkaline environment.
2. Endocrine Function:
- The pancreas contains clusters of cells called islets of Langerhans, which are responsible for producing hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.
- One of the key hormones produced by the pancreas is insulin. Insulin helps control the amount of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream by facilitating the absorption of glucose into cells. It helps move excess glucose out of the bloodstream and store it in the liver and muscle cells for future energy needs.
- Another hormone produced by the pancreas is glucagon. Glucagon has the opposite effect of insulin. It stimulates the release of stored glucose from the liver, increasing blood sugar levels when they are too low.
Overall, the pancreas plays a vital role in digestion and the regulation of blood sugar levels. Its dual functions as both an exocrine gland (secreting digestive enzymes) and an endocrine gland (secreting hormones) make it an essential organ in maintaining overall health and well-being.