Anatomy and Functions of the Pancreas

Pancreas: A vital organ with both endocrine and exocrine functions, located behind the stomach.

Pancreatic Islets: Clusters of cells that function as an endocrine gland.
- A-cells: Produce Glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels.
- B-cells: Produce Insulin and Amylin, crucial for lowering blood glucose levels and regulating appetite.
- D-cells: Produce Somatostatin, which inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion.
- PP-cells: Secrete Polypeptide, playing a role in regulating pancreatic secretions.
- E-cells: Secrete Ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone, which stimulates appetite.
Acinar Cells: Exocrine cells that secrete digestive enzymes into the pancreatic duct.

Accessory Pancreatic Duct: A secondary duct that drains pancreatic secretions into the duodenum.
Main Pancreatic Duct: The primary duct that transports enzymes from the pancreas to the duodenum.
Minor Duodenal Papilla: The site where the accessory pancreatic duct empties into the duodenum.
Major Duodenal Papilla: The site where the main pancreatic duct empties into the duodenum.

Gallbladder: Stores bile, which is important for digestion and is involved in the emulsification of fats.
Capillary Blood Cells: Small blood vessels surrounding the pancreas, involved in nutrient and hormone exchange.

Head: The widest part of the pancreas, located near the duodenum.
Body: The central part of the pancreas.
Tail: The tapered part extending towards the spleen.
Spleen: An organ located in close proximity to the tail of the pancreas, involved in immune function and blood filtration.