Pancreas, anatomy: functions and diseases

The largest glands of our body are the liver and pancreas. The anatomy of these main organs of the digestive system has one interesting feature. These glands form during the development of the embryo in the wall of the duodenum. Then, gradually expanding, they essentially go beyond it.

The second largest gland of the digestive tract is the pancreas, an anatomy whose functions and diseases will be examined in this article. It is inferior in size only to the liver. The pancreas is in the loop of the duodenum, in front of it - the lower surface of the stomach. It is because of its position that this body was given such a name.

The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine functions. The latter is carried out by the acini, which produces 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 cavity of the duodenum. As for the endocrine function, it belongs to the pancreatic islets (or islets of Langerhans).

Pancreas: anatomy

In humans this organ has a wedge shape. Its head is thickened, and the middle part is more or less prismatic. Its tail is narrowed. Probably, you almost imagine where the pancreas is located. Anatomy and physiology, however, require detailed consideration.

The organ of interest 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 out so that its tail reaches the spleen, and the head is in the duodenal loop. The head in the anteroposterior direction is somewhat thickened. It has a hook-shaped process directed downwards. As for the body of the pancreas, in shape it is a triangular prism. The peritoneum is covered with its anterior surface, which is facing the back surface of our stomach. It is separated from the latter by a narrow cavity of the stuffing box. The pancreas (its anatomy will be clearer to you if you study the photos presented in the article) touches the posterior surface with the adrenal gland and the upper edge of the left kidney.

Its length in an adult is about 15-25 cm, and the thickness is about 2-8 cm. Pancreas weighs from 65 to 160 g. When fresh, it stands out in a pinkish gray color. The capsule covering it is very thin.

We have examined in general terms the structure of the pancreas. Its anatomy, however, is quite an extensive topic. We suggest that you study this issue in more detail.

Lead ducts and lymphatic vessels

A number of lymphatic vessels and excretory ducts have a pancreas. Her anatomy presupposes an acquaintance 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 a lot of branches, which carry out a secret from the lobules. They are clearly distinguished by white color on the background of the pancreatic parenchyma, which has a gray-pink color. At the site of 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.

Anatomy of the pancreas is marked by the presence of a dense network of lymphatic vessels, which is closely related to the network of the duodenum, gallbladder and bile ducts. The lymph from it flows to a variety of regional lymph nodes that are in the area of the stomach, the gates of the liver, the mesentery, the spleen and the left adrenal gland.

We hope you understand the topographic anatomy of the pancreas.

Innervation

The innervation of the organ of interest is both parasympathetic and sympathetic. Nonfamous sympathetic fibers enter it through the perivascular plexus. Nerves that enter the pancreas form plexuses in the thickness of its posterior and anterior surface. Nerve fibers that are inside it are suitable for ducts, vessels, islets of Langerhans and acini.

The role of nerve impulses in the regulation of secretory activity

Since the experiments conducted by IP Pavlov, it was established that the secretory effect refers to parasympathetic impulses. Nerve impulses play an important role in the regulation of the secretory activity of the pancreas. If there is irritation of the vagus nerve or if a person uses certain parasympathetic drugs, the secretory granules dissolve rapidly and are released from the acinar cells. However, in these conditions, pancreatic juice is rich in organic substances and enzymes, so it stands out in rather scant amounts.

The mechanism of the action of sympathetic impulses is more complicated. According to some reports, if the celiac nerve is exposed to short-term irritation, pancreatic secretion is suppressed. Nevertheless, with a fairly long stimulation, the same effect is observed as in the stimulation of the vagus nerve. It should also be noted that the transection of the celiac and vagus nerves, which innervate the organ of interest, does not prevent the separation of enzyme-rich pancreatic juice. This is due to the fact that not only their impulses stimulate the secretion of the pancreas. There is a complex neurohumoral mechanism, of which secrecy is of great importance. This is a special hormone produced by the duodenum (its mucosa).

Functions of the pancreas

Its role in the processes of metabolism and digestion is very great. It releases 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, lypocaine, insulin). Producing glucagon and insulin, coming directly into the blood, this body regulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism of our body. These hormones have the opposite effect. Insulin lowers, and glucagon increases the level of sugar in the blood. A change in his level can lead to a disease such as diabetes mellitus.

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, dyspepsia, weakness, emaciation. In acute pancreatitis, the pain is usually felt in the left side. Unpleasant sensations can take the character of "girdling" pain. In other words, they can extend to the entire left side, and also to go to the back.

If symptoms of acute pancreatitis appear, you should consult a doctor, as this disease does not go away by itself. In addition, serious complications are not ruled out. Acute pancreatitis involves monitoring the patient, administering to him in a dropper drugs that reduce pain and inflammation.

Chronic pancreatitis

Its aggravation is characterized by less intense pain. In addition, they tend to recur from time to time (after alcohol abuse or inaccuracies in the diet). This disease does not imply the need for urgent surgical intervention. However, this does not mean that it does not need to be treated. With chronic pancreatitis, as with any other violation of the functions of the organ of interest to us, the digestive process fails. This negatively affects the health of the body.

Diabetes

This ailment is more severe than pancreatitis. To date, unfortunately, medicine still does not know how to cure it. Diabetes mellitus appears as a result of a deficiency in the body of an important hormone, such as insulin. Because of its lack, the metabolism is disturbed. An organism without insulin can not absorb glucose, which is an important source of energy. Because of this, its blood level rises, and in tissues it goes down. Diabetes requires constant monitoring.

Finally

A very important organ is the pancreas. Human anatomy is not accidentally included in the school curriculum on biology. Each of us should know how our body is arranged, how different organs function. At the first symptoms of diseases it is better to consult a doctor right away. After all, it is always easier to prevent illness than to treat it for a long time.

At present, ultrasound is used to diagnose the condition of many organs, including those of interest to us. Anatomy of the pancreas is clearly visualized on the screen. Ultrasound of this organ is one of the most accessible and reliable instrumental studies in modern clinical practice.