Pancreas

[mick-G]

The pancreas is a mixed exocrine and endocrine gland. The exocrine portion makes many of the digestive enzymes necessary for gastrointestinal function. The endocrine portion is comprised of discrete islands of cells called the islets of Langerhans. Cells within the islets produce two hormones that regulate the concentration of glucose in the blood. Insulin is a polypeptide hormone produced by the beta cells that reduces the level of circulating glucose. It is the only hormone that reduces circulating glucose levels, is secreted in response to high glucose levels and is subject to negative feedback control. Insulin causes cells to take up glucose, stimulates the storage of glucose, and inhibits the making of glucose. Abnormalities in the secretion or response of cells to insulin cause the condition diabetes mellitus.

Glucagon is a small protein produced by alpha cells within the islets that causes the level of blood glucose to increase. Its release is controlled by blood levels of glucose. As levels fall, glucagon release is increased causing the release of stored glucose and the synthesis of glucose until levels are increased and glucagon release is then reduced via negative feeedback. Glucagon opposes the metabolic actions of insulin. This opposition plus the negative feedback control of glucose levels maintains very tight control on blood glucose levels.

[Equalizer]

Re: Pancreas

Doesnt the pancreas help fight off diseases and viruses as well? or is that only during childhood?

[mick-G]

Re: Pancreas

The pancreas contains enzyme producing cells that secrete two hormones, insulin and glucagon. Insulin and glucagon are secreted directly into the bloodstream, and together, they regulate the level of glucose in the blood. Insulin lowers the blood sugar level and increases the amount of glycogen (stored carbohydrate) in the liver. Glucagon slowly increases the blood sugar level if it falls too low. If the insulin secreting cells do not work properly, diabetes occurs.

Actually the pancreas produces important enzymes that help digest food and break down starches. It also neutralizes chyme and helps break down proteins, fats and starch. In short if the pancreas is not working properly to neutralize the chyme, which is a thick semifluid mass of partly digested food that is passed from the stomach to the duodenum, starvation can occur. So in a sence EQ you are correct, in that if the body is in a lowed state of immunity than one can be more susceptible to viruses, but the main dircet problem directly related to an improper functioning pancreas is diabetes.

[Equalizer]

Re: Pancreas

[geesler]

Re: Pancreas

good info