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pancreas
(panŽkre-әs)
pl. pancreŽata
a large, elongated gland found in a more or less horizontal position behind the stomach, between the spleen and duodenum.
It is composed of both exocrine and endocrine tissue. The acini secrete digestive enzymes, and small ducts leading from them secrete sodium bicarbonate solution. The combined product, pancreatic juice, enters a long pancreatic duct and from there is carried through the hepatic duct to the duodenum. The pancreatic juice contains enzymes for the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The bicarbonate ions in the pancreatic secretion help neutralize the acidic chyme that is passed along from the stomach to the duodenum. The islets of Langerhans of the pancreas secrete the important hormones called insulin and glucagon, as well as one called somatostatin whose exact function is unknown.
annular pancreas
a developmental anomaly in which the pancreas forms a ring entirely surrounding the duodenum.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
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