PANCREAS

           The  pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen. It plays an essential role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the body's cells. The pancreas has two main function : an exocrine functions that helps in digestion and an endocrine function that regulates blood sugar. 

The pancreas is about 6 inches long and sites across the back of the abdomen behind the stomach. The head of the abdomen and is connected to the duodenum ( the first section of small intestine ) through a small tube called the pancreatic duct. The narrow end of the pancreas, called the tail, extend to the left side of the body. 

Function 

1. Exocrine Function :

                                   The pancreatic contains exocrine gland that produce enzyme important to digestion. These enzymes include trypsin and chymotrypsin to digest proteins ; amylase for the digestion of carbohydrate ; and lipase to break down fats. When food enters the stomach these pancreatic juice are released into a system of duct that culminate in the main pancreatic duct. The pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct joins the common bile duct to form the ampulla of water which is located at the first portion of the small intestine, called the duodenum. The common bile duct originates in the liver and the gallbladder and produces another important digestive juice called bile. The pancreatic juice and bile that are released into the duodenum, help the body to digest fats,carbohydrates and proteins.

2.Endocrine Function  :

                                The endocrine components of the pancreas consist of islet cells that create and release important hormones directly into the bloodstream. Two of the main pancreatic hormones are insulin which acts to lower blood sugar , glucagon, which acts to raise blood sugar. Maintaining proper blood sugar level is crucial to the functioning of key organs including the brain , liver and kidneys.

Investigation Laboratory :

Glucose Tolerance Test :

                            To measure damage to the pancreatic cells that make insulin. 

HbA1c / Insulin :

                     Blood Sugar Level 

Biopsy :

           In which a needle is inserted into the pancreas to remove a small tissue sample for study.

Invastigstion  Imaging 

•  Ultrasound
•  CT Scan
•  MRI