The Pancreas

By Dr. Istvan, Moore, and Howze

General Information The Pancreas is located

superior to the Duodenum, and Inferior to the Stomach.

The Pancreas is a gland that helps to digest food, as well as regulate blood sugar levels.

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4743

Pancreas Gland The Pancreas is located

below the liver and stomach, and just above the small intestines.

It is next to the gall bladder, with bile ducts surrounding it.

Its location is key, as it is used in digestion.

http://take2designs.com/alcoholsitev2/images/normal_pancreas.jpg

Structure of the Pancreas The Pancreas is

separated into two distinct lobes.

Glands of the pancreas can release hormones directly into the duodenum or the blood stream.

1: Head of pancreas2: Uncinate process of pancreas3: Pancreatic notch4: Body of pancreas5: Anterior surface of pancreas6: Inferior surface of pancreas7: Superior margin of pancreas8: Anterior margin of pancreas9: Inferior margin of pancreas10: Omental tuber11: Tail of pancreas12: Duodenum

Pancreatic Hormones The Pancreas releases three main

hormones: Insulin, Glucagon, and Somatostatin.

There is another polypeptide, but its function is unknown. Insulin is made by Beta cells Glucagon is made by Alpha cells Somatostatin is made by Delta cells Unknown polypeptide is made by Gamma cells

Insulin Small protein made of 51

amino acids Beta cells have chemo-

receptors that detect blood glucose levels, and secrete insulin in response.

Insulin also reduces appetite by affecting cells in the hypothalamus

Stimulates adipose tissue to create fat http://dolly.biochem.arizona.edu/Bioc462b_Honors_Spring_2009/abhik/

Images/Insulin.jpg

Glucagon

A polypeptide of 29 Amino acids

Stimulates the liver to release sugar into bloodstream

Also acts upon fat tissue to release glucose

Has the opposite effect as insulin

http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/pancreas/glucagon_efx.gif

Somatostatin

Consists of two polypeptides, with a total of 42 amino acids

Works inside the Duodenum to reduce appetite

Slows the rate if which the nutrients are absorbed by the small intestines

http://www.abcam.com/ps/datasheet/images/ab2366_1.jpg

Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is insulin

dependent Daily injections or

inhalations are required to keep blood sugar levels in check

Most common in children and young adults

Caused by autoimmune attack of Beta cells

http://biomed.brown.edu/Courses/BI108/BI108_2002_Groups/pancstems/stemcell/pancreas.gif

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by irregular blood sugar levels

It is fairly easily treated with oral drugs taken daily

It is most commonly found in adults, especially those that are overweight

http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/2009/02/diabetes_0.jpg

Diabetes Symptoms

Frequent urination Loss of circulation Excessive thirst Rapid weight change Irritability Fatigue Blurred Vision Sweet urine

http://www.laughparty.com/funny-pictures/Thirsty-Dog-1007.jpg

Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic cancer

affects roughly 42,000 people every year in the US.

About 7,000 of those people survive to live long healthy lives. MRI of abdomen, showing Pancreatic

Carcinoma

http://www.hpblondon.com/02_pancreas/02_3_p_cancer/files/page14_2.jpg

Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic Cancer is responsible for more

than 50,000 deaths per year. Symptoms include :

- Clay colored stool - Abdominal Pain - Indigestion - Diarrhea - Loss of appetite - Nausea - Jaundice

Pancreatic Cancer There are several treatment options Usually pancreatic carcinoma is treated

using surgery and chemotherapy. New advancements in cancer treatment

allow laser and gamma knife options. Future treatment options are always being

developed, including viral treatments.

Diabetes Support Group

Contact Info:

www.diabetes.org

1701 North Beauregard Street Alexandria, VA 22311

1-800-DIABETES

Pancreatic Cancer Support Group Contact Info

www.Pancreatic.org

Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer

2990 S. Sepulveda Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90064

(310) 473-5121

Bibliography

·25 Dec. 1999. Web. 09 Nov. 2009. <http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4743>.

·02 July 2001. Web. 09 Nov. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancreas