Where is the pancreas located in the body?

The pancreas is a gland, about six inches long, located in the abdomen. It is shaped like a flat pear and is surrounded by the stomach, small intestine, liver, spleen and gallbladder. The wide end of the pancreas on the right side of the body is called the head. The middle sections are the neck and body.

Where is the accessory duct of the pancreas located?

In addition to the main duct, the pancreas also contains an accessory duct. It communicates with the main pancreatic duct at the level of the pancreatic neck and opens into the descending part of the duodenum at the minor duodenal papilla .

How does the pancreas digest food?

A healthy pancreas produces chemicals in appropriate quantities to digest the food. The pancreas consists of exocrine glands that create enzymes which are essential for digestion. These enzymes contain chymotrypsin and trypsin to digest proteins. Amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates and lipase breaks down fats.

What is the anatomy of the tail of the pancreas?

SMA, superior mesenteric artery. PL, plexus. There is no anatomic landmark for the division between the body and tail of the pancreas although the left border of the aorta is sometimes used to mark the junction (2, 6). Hellman defined the tail as the one fourth of the pancreas from the tip of the tail to the head,…

What is the thin end of the pancreas called?

The thin end of the pancreas on the left side of the body is called the tail. The uncinate process is the part of the gland that bends backwards and underneath the head of the pancreas.

How many islets are in the endocrine pancreas?

Endocrine Pancreas. The large islet, image left, may be two adjacent islets with a small islet conforming to the lower border of a large round islet. Two small oval islets are located image right at 2 and 4 o’clock. The islet cells are smaller and have paler cytoplasm than the surrounding acinar cells.

What is the head and tail of the pancreas?

The head of the pancreas is on the right side of the abdomen and is connected to the duodenum through the pancreatic duct. The tail of the pancreas extends to the left side of the body.

Where are the pancreatic juices released from the stomach?

When food enters the stomach, these pancreatic juices are released into a system of ducts that culminate in the main pancreatic duct. The pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct to form the ampulla of Vater which is located at the first portion of the small intestine, called the duodenum.

How do doctors check for a mass in the pancreas?

Physical examination: By pressing on the center of the belly, a doctor might check for a mass in the pancreas. He or she can also look for other signs of pancreas conditions. Computed tomography scan: A CT scanner takes multiple X-rays, and a computer creates detailed images of the pancreas and abdomen.

What are the conditions that affect the pancreas?

Pancreas Conditions. Diabetes, type 2: The pancreas loses the ability to appropriately produce and release insulin. The body also becomes resistant to insulin, and blood sugar rises. Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects multiple body systems, usually including the lungs and the pancreas.