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The pancreas is a vital organ in the human body, responsible for essential functions related to digestion and hormone regulation. Located in the abdominal cavity behind the stomach, it plays dual roles as both an exocrine and endocrine gland, contributing to digestion and maintaining blood sugar levels. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the pancreas, exploring its anatomy, physiological functions, common diseases, and available treatments. The pancreas is a 6 inch to 10-inch elongated glandular organ located behind the stomach and connected to the duodenum. The pancreas has a rich blood supply from branches of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric arteries. Additionally, it’s connected to the small intestine by the pancreatic duct, through which digestive enzymes are secreted. The pancreas serves both exocrine and endocrine functions, which are crucial for digestion and metabolic regulation. The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These enzymes are transported to the duodenum via the pancreatic duct, where they are activated and help in food digestion. Clusters of cells known as the Islets of Langerhans are responsible for the endocrine function of the pancreas. These combined functions make the pancreas essential in maintaining both metabolic and digestive health.

Several diseases can impair pancreatic function, impacting both digestion and blood sugar control. Here are some of the most common pancreatic conditions. A sudden inflammation of the pancreas often caused by gallstones or alcohol abuse. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. A long-term inflammation that can lead to irreversible damage. It’s often linked to prolonged alcohol use, cystic fibrosis, or genetic factors. Symptoms may include chronic pain, malabsorption, and weight loss. Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis, as it often goes undetected in its early stages. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, and genetic predispositions. Symptoms often emerge late and may include jaundice, weight loss, and back pain. An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It requires lifelong insulin therapy. Characterized by insulin resistance, it often develops due to lifestyle factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. It can be managed through diet, exercise, medication, and sometimes insulin. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the pancreas by causing thick, sticky mucus build-up. This condition often leads to malnutrition and poor digestion due to enzyme deficiency.

This condition occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to malabsorption, weight loss, and gastrointestinal discomfort. It can result from chronic pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases. Diagnosis of pancreatic diseases typically involves a combination of clinical examination, imaging techniques, and laboratory tests. Measurement of pancreatic enzymes, like amylase and lipase, can indicate inflammation or pancreatitis. Techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI provide visual insights into pancreatic structure, helping to detect inflammation, tumors, or cysts. This method allows for a close examination of the pancreas by passing an endoscope with an ultrasound probe down the esophagus and into the stomach. In cases of suspected pancreatic cancer, a tissue sample is taken and examined under a microscope to confirm malignancy. Managed with fasting, IV fluids, pain control, and treating the underlying cause.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.