pancreatic

Pancreatic is an adjective referring to the pancreas, a gland in the upper abdomen behind the stomach. The pancreas performs both exocrine functions, producing digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, and endocrine functions, releasing hormones such as insulin and glucagon into the blood.

Anatomically, the pancreas is elongated, with a head nestled in the duodenum, a body, and a tail near the spleen. It contains acinar cells that secrete digestive enzymes and islets of Langerhans that contain alpha, beta, and delta cells. The main pancreatic duct runs the length of the organ and joins the common bile duct before draining into the duodenum.

Exocrine secretion includes enzymes like amylase, lipase, and proteases, which mix with bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine. Endocrine tissue regulates glucose metabolism through hormones such as insulin (beta cells) and glucagon (alpha cells); somatostatin from delta cells modulates the activity of other islet cells.

Pancreatic disease includes pancreatitis (acute or chronic), pancreatic cancer (most commonly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma), and cystic lesions. Diabetes mellitus may reflect pancreatic endocrine dysfunction. Diagnosis relies on imaging and tests of pancreatic enzymes and blood glucose. Treatments vary from supportive care and surgery to chemotherapy and targeted therapies, depending on the condition.