Digestive Enzymes. Skip to content Main Navigation Search. Dictionary Articles Tutorials Biology Forum. The Homo Species The evolution of the species of the genus "Homo" led to the emergence of modern humans. Roots This study guide tackles plant roots in greater detail. Hormone Production Hormones are chemical messengers produced by specialized glands and they were produced by switching on the genes designe.. Sugar Homeostasis The blood sugar level is regulated by two hormones.
Protein Synthesis Part of the genetic information is devoted to the synthesis of proteins. It plays an essential role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the body's cells. The pancreas has two main functions: an exocrine function that helps in digestion and an endocrine function that regulates blood sugar.
The pancreas is located behind the stomach in the upper left abdomen. It is surrounded by other organs including the small intestine, liver, and spleen. It is spongy, about six to ten inches long, and is shaped like a flat pear or a fish extended horizontally across the abdomen. The wide part, called the head of the pancreas, is positioned toward the center of the abdomen.
The head of the pancreas is located at the juncture where the stomach meets the first part of the small intestine. This is where the stomach empties partially digested food into the intestine, and the pancreas releases digestive enzymes into these contents. Several major blood vessels surround the pancreas, the superior mesenteric artery, the superior mesenteric vein, the portal vein and the celiac axis, supplying blood to the pancreas and other abdominal organs.
The remaining tissue consists of endocrine cells called islets of Langerhans. These clusters of cells look like grapes and produce hormones that regulate blood sugar and regulate pancreatic secretions. A healthy pancreas produces the correct chemicals in the proper quantities, at the right times, to digest the foods we eat.
These juices travel through your pancreas via ducts. They empty into the upper part of your small intestine called the duodenum. Each day, your pancreas makes about 8 ounces of digestive juice filled with enzymes. These are the different enzymes:. This enzyme works together with bile, which your liver produces, to break down fat in your diet.
If you don't have enough lipase, your body will have trouble absorbing fat and the important fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K. Symptoms of poor fat absorption include diarrhea and fatty bowel movements. This enzyme breaks down proteins in your diet. It also helps protect you from germs that may live in your intestines, like certain bacteria and yeast.
Undigested proteins can cause allergic reactions in some people. This enzyme helps break down starches into sugar, which your body can use for energy. Many groups of cells produce hormones inside your pancreas. Unlike enzymes that are released into your digestive system, hormones are released into your blood and carry messages to other parts of your digestive system. Pancreatic hormones include:. It is produced by the walls of the duodenum upon detection of acid food, proteins, fats, and vitamins.
Pancreatic secretion consists of an aqueous bicarbonate component from the duct cells and an enzymatic component from the acinar cells.
Because the pancreas is a sort of storage depot for digestive enzymes, injury to the pancreas is potentially fatal. A puncture of the pancreas generally requires prompt and experienced medical intervention. A variety of factors cause a high pressure within pancreatic ducts. Pancreatic duct rupture and pancreatic juice leakage cause pancreatic self-digestion.
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