Changes

The '''pancreas''' is one of the internal bodily organs. It secretes [[enzyme]]s to help digest food and [[insulin]] which is a [[hormone]] reducing [[blood sugar]].  

The '''pancreas''' is one of the internal bodily organs. It performs both [[endocrine]] and [[exocrine]] functions. Its endocrine function is primarily the secretion of the hormone [[insulin]], which helps regulate blood sugar.  Its exocrine function is the secretion of digestive enzymes into the [[duodenum]] whereby they break down food into their various component molecules.

[[Diabetes]] is caused by the failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin.

[[Diabetes]] mellitus is a common result of the failure of the endocrine pancreas, causing insufficient insulin to be secreted to adequately control blood glucose levels.  Failure of the exocrine pancreas can occur in early childhood, often as a consequence of [[cystic fibrosis]] as the secretory ducts fail to function correctly, leading to deficient secretion of digestive enzymes.

 

[[Pancreatitis]] is a relatively common disease of the pancreas, most commonly associated with disease of excess (such as gallstones and alcoholism), and is an excruciatingly painful inflammation causing abdominal pain commonly described as being the worst pain imaginable by sufferers.

[[category:Anatomy]]

[[category:Anatomy]]