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• The pancreas is a small organ located in the upper abdomen. Its main function is to aid in digestion. It does so by producing insulin to regulate blood sugar, and enzymes that help digest food.National Pancreas Foundation: About the Pancreas

• Fast Facts

  1. Connected to the small intestine
  2. Approx 6 inches long
  3. Located against the spine
  4. Location makes diagnosis of pancreatic disease difficultNational Pancreas Foundation: About the Pancreas
  5. Compound gland that contains exocrine and endocrine tissueMedicineNet: Pancreas Definition
  6. Connected to the liver and gallbladderMedicineNet: Pancreas Definition
  7. Approximately 40,000 diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in U.S. in 2008American Cancer Society: What Are the Key Statistics About Cancer of the Pancreas?
  8. Pancreatic cancer is 4th leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.American Cancer Society: What Are the Key Statistics About Cancer of the Pancreas?
  9. 1966: First pancreas transplant[MedHunters.com: Transplant Timeline — Pancreas and Liver
  10. 1974: First islet-cell transplant[MedHunters.com: Transplant Timeline — Pancreas and Liver

• Pancreas Health

  Several factors impact the health of the pancreas, including blood sugar, level of exercise, weight, fat intake, smoking and alcohol consumption.American Diabetes Association: How to Prevent or Delay Diabetes Mayo Clinic: Pancreatitis Prevention

• Pancreas Diseases

  Some common pancreas problems are: acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and pancreatic enzyme insufficiency.Jackson Siegelbaum: Pancreas Disease

• Pancreatic Acinar Cells

  These exocrine cells (cells that make products that will exit the body) produce enzymes that aid in digestion, including proteases to break down proteins, lipases to break down fats and amylase to break down carbohydrates.John Hopkins Medicine: Pancreas Overview Colostate.edu: Exocrine

• Pancreatic Islet of Langerhans Cells

  These endocrine cells (cells that secrete products into the bloodstream) produce hormones: insulin, glucagon and somatostatin.John Hopkins Medicine: Pancreas Overview Insulin lowers blood sugar, while glucagon raises blood sugar.Colostate.edu:Glucagon Somatostatin has varying effects on the nervous system, pancreas, digestive system, and pituitary gland.Colostate.edu:Somatostatin

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate | Alcoholism | Patrick Swayze Cancer | Pancreatic Cancer | Digestive System | Diabetes Treatment

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