The largest glands of our body are the liver and pancreas. The anatomy of these major organs of the digestive system has one interesting feature. These glands are formed during the development of the embryo in the wall of the duodenum. Then, gradually expanding, they significantly go beyond it.
The second largest gland of the digestive tract is the pancreas, anatomy, the functions and diseases of which will be discussed in this article. It is second only to the size of the liver. The pancreas is located in the loop of the duodenum, in front of it is the lower surface of the stomach. It is by its position that this body received its name.
The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine functions. The latter is carried out by acini, which produce special digestive enzymes. The most important of these enzymes are amylolytic and lipolytic, as well as trypsin. They are secreted in an inactive form by the acini and are activated under normal conditions only in the duodenal cavity. As for the endocrine function, it belongs to pancreatic islets (or islets of Langerhans).
Pancreas: Anatomy
In humans, this organ has a wedge-shaped shape. Its head is thickened, and the middle part is more or less prismatic. Its tail is narrowed. You probably have some idea where the pancreas is. Its anatomy and physiology, however, require detailed consideration.
The organ of interest to us is located on the posterior abdominal wall somewhere at the level of the 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebrae. In the horizontal direction, the pancreas is stretched so that its tail reaches the spleen, and the head is located in the loop of the duodenum. The head in the anteroposterior direction is somewhat thickened. It has a hook-shaped process directed downward. As for the body of the pancreas, in shape it is a trihedral prism. Its anterior surface is covered by the peritoneum, which faces the posterior surface of our stomach. It is separated from the latter by a narrow cavity of the stuffing bag. The pancreas (the anatomy of it will be clearer to you if you study the photographs presented in the article) is in contact with the back surface with the adrenal gland and the upper edge of the left kidney.
Its length in an adult is about 15-25 cm, and its thickness is about 2-8 cm. The pancreas weighs from 65 to 160 g. In the fresh state, it stands out in pinkish-gray color. The capsule covering it is very thin.
We examined in general terms the structure of the pancreas. Her anatomy, however, is a rather broad topic. We suggest you study this issue in more detail.
Excretory ducts and lymphatic vessels
Many lymphatic vessels and excretory ducts have a pancreas. Her anatomy involves familiarity with them. The main excretory ducts, which are usually two in humans, run from the tail to the head of the pancreas, passing along its entire axis. The main ducts on their way take many branches, which take out a secret from the lobules. They are clearly distinguished in white against a background of pancreatic parenchyma, which has a gray-pink color. At the confluence of the main excretory duct into the duodenum, its diameter reaches 2-3 mm. The tail and body are supplied with a number of branches of the splenic artery.
Pancreas anatomy is marked by the presence of a dense network of lymphatic vessels, which is closely connected with the network of the duodenum, gall bladder, and bile ducts. Lymph from it flows to many regional lymph nodes that are located in the stomach, gate of the liver, mesentery, spleen and left adrenal gland.
We hope you understand the topographic anatomy of the pancreas.
Innervation
The innervation of the organ of interest to us is both parasympathetic and sympathetic. The serene sympathetic fibers enter it through the perivascular plexus. The nerves that enter the pancreas form plexuses in the thickness of its posterior and anterior surfaces. The nerve fibers inside it are suitable for the ducts, vessels, islets of Langerhans and acini.
The role of nerve impulses in the regulation of secretory activity
Since the experiments conducted by I.P. Pavlov, it has been established that the secretory action refers to parasympathetic impulses. Nerve impulses play an important role in the regulation of the secretory activity of the pancreas. If vagus nerve irritation occurs or if a person consumes certain parasympathicotronic pharmacological substances, secretory granules quickly dissolve and secrete from acinar cells. However, under these conditions, pancreatic juice is rich in organic substances and enzymes, so it is allocated in rather scarce quantities.
More complex is the mechanism of action of sympathetic impulses. According to some reports, if the celiac nerve is subjected to short-term irritation, inhibition of pancreatic secretion occurs. Nevertheless, with a rather long stimulation of it, the same effect is observed as with irritation of the vagus nerve. It should also be noted that transection of the celiac and vagus nerves, which innervate the organ of interest to us, does not prevent the separation of pancreatic juice rich in enzymes. This is because not only their impulses stimulate the secretion of the pancreas. There is a complex neurohumoral mechanism, the importance of which belongs to secretin. This is a special hormone produced by the duodenum (its mucous membrane).
Pancreatic function
Its role in the processes of metabolism and digestion is very large. It secretes pancreatic juice into the duodenum. This juice contains enzymes such as lipase, trypsin, lactase, maltase, etc. They take part in digestion processes. Another important function of the pancreas is the production of hormones (glucagon, lipocoin, insulin). By producing glucagon and insulin, which enter directly into the bloodstream, this body regulates our body’s fat and carbohydrate metabolism. These hormones have the opposite effect. Insulin lowers, and glucagon raises blood sugar. Changing its level can lead to a disease such as diabetes.
Pancreatitis
Some factors that are excesses in life (overeating, alcohol abuse) negatively affect the health of the pancreas. They contribute to the occurrence of a disease such as pancreatitis. It is an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is acute and chronic.
Acute pancreatitis
He appears suddenly. Its main symptoms are pain, often vomiting, diarrhea, dyspeptic symptoms, weakness, emaciation. In acute pancreatitis, pain is usually felt in the left side. Unpleasant sensations can take the character of "girdle" pain. In other words, they can extend to the entire left side, as well as go on the back.
If symptoms of acute pancreatitis appear, you should consult a doctor, since this disease does not go away on its own. In addition, severe complications are not ruled out. Acute pancreatitis involves monitoring the patient, the introduction to him in a dropper of drugs that reduce pain and inflammation.
Chronic pancreatitis
Its exacerbation is characterized by less intense pain. In addition, they are usually repeated from time to time (after alcohol abuse or diet errors). This disease does not imply the need for emergency surgery. However, this does not mean that it does not need to be treated. In chronic pancreatitis, as with any other violation of the functions of the organ of interest to us, a digestion process is malfunctioning. This negatively affects the health of the body.
Diabetes
This ailment is more severe than pancreatitis. Today, unfortunately, medicine still does not know how to cure it. Diabetes mellitus appears as a result of a deficiency in the body of such an important hormone as insulin. Due to its lack of metabolism. An organism without insulin cannot metabolize glucose, which is an essential source of energy. Because of this, its level in the blood rises, and in the tissues it decreases. Diabetes requires constant monitoring.
Finally
The pancreas is a very important organ. Human anatomy is not accidentally included in the school curriculum in biology. Each of us must know how our body is arranged, how various organs function. At the first symptoms of diseases, it is better to consult a doctor immediately. After all, it is always easier to prevent a disease than to treat it for a long time.
Currently, ultrasound is used to diagnose the condition of many organs, including the one that interests us. The pancreatic anatomy is clearly displayed on the screen. Ultrasound of this organ is one of the most accessible and reliable instrumental studies in modern clinical practice.