Bugspytkirtel

Bugspytkirtel, also known as the pancreas, is a gland in the abdomen located behind the stomach. It measures about 15 cm in length and consists of a head, body, and tail. The organ lies in the retroperitoneal space, with the duodenum looping around the head.

The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions. Exocrine activity is carried out by acinar cells that produce digestive enzymes, including amylase, lipase, and proteases such as trypsin and chymotrypsin. These enzymes are released as pancreatic juice into the main pancreatic duct and then into the duodenum, where bicarbonate ions help neutralize stomach acid to support digestion.

Endocrine function comes from the islets of Langerhans, which secrete hormones such as insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide into the bloodstream. These hormones regulate blood glucose levels and overall metabolism.

Clinical significance includes several diseases. Acute or chronic pancreatitis involves inflammation of the gland and can affect digestion and pain systems. Pancreatic cancer, often ductal adenocarcinoma, has a poor prognosis and risk factors such as age, smoking, and chronic pancreatitis. Diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 relate to insulin production and function, while cystic fibrosis can impair exocrine pancreatic function.

Diagnostics and treatment typically involve blood tests for enzymes like amylase and lipase, imaging with ultrasound, CT, or MRI, and sometimes endoscopic procedures. Management focuses on treating the underlying cause, providing hydration and pain control in acute cases, and using insulin therapy or pancreatic enzyme replacement for related digestive or metabolic issues.