What is the Pancreas?

Answer:
The pancreas is an internal digestive and endocrine system organ

found in vertebrate animals, including humans. The pancreas manufactures hormones and enzymes, like glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, and pancreatic fluids; all of which help to manage and regulate body sugars, carbohydrates, nerve functionality, and the endocrine system itself.

Since the pancreas has double functionality and is considered both endocrine (secreting directly into the blood) and exocrine (secreting into ducts), it is of vital importance in maintaining healthy digestion and other related bodily processes.

The endocrine portion of the pancreas, known as the islets of Langerhans, is the area of the pancreas that creates the pancreatic hormones (insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide), which are secreted directly into the blood stream.

The exocrine portion of the pancreas that creates the digestive enzymes and other digestive fluids secretes these directly into the small intestine through exocrine ducts and specialized cells within the ducts themselves. These enzymes include amylase, chymotrypsin, lipase, and trypsin, as well as other, salt and bicarbonate-rich fluids.

The pancreas organ is regulated and controlled by the body's autonomic nervous system, and it is situated in the abdominal region; in the vicinity of the stomach, duodenum, and kidneys.

Always consult with your health professionals for specific and detailed information relating to all body organs and functions, as well as all health issues.