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Pancreas Research Paper

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The human body is an amazingly complex system that works hard to keep itself alive and properly functioning each and every day. From the endocrine system, all the way to the respiratory system, the physical body is made up of various subparts, each containing organs that ultimately labor to keep a person thriving. Ideally, the hope would be that the human body will continue to prosper, but other factors can have a direct affect on the outcome of a person’s physically functioning self. In some cases, someone’s own body can even turn against itself. In situations as such, unwanted cancers and/or diseases may arise.
The cruciality of understanding the normal function of the human body becomes applicable when attempting to identify when there …show more content…

The pancreas is a glandulous organ located within the abdominal cavity. According to Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Pathophysiology book, it can be found sitting behind the stomach, with the larger portioned neck and head towards the duodenum, while its smaller portioned tail remains next to the spleen. Although the pancreas can sometimes be an organ easily overlooked, it is a segment of each person with fundamental responsibilities. What makes the pancreas unique and complex is its dual purpose. Not only does this fragment of the body provide an endocrine function, it is also an organ of exocrine function as well. The differences amongst both occupations is that the endocrine glands involvement deals with secreting hormones, typically within the body’s circulatory system; and for the exocrine ration, its position is to emit enzymes that are directly linked to the digestive system. Essentially, the pancreas’ unique di-functioning arrangement allows the body to properly digest the foods people eat and still maintain healthy levels of pancreatic secretions and blood glucose …show more content…

From an endocrine functioning perspective, vital hormonal involvement allows the body to achieve such standing. Two of the major hormones that is included in this structures endocrinal portion are known as glucagon and insulin, and are directly produced by the pancreas’ islets of Langerhans (patho 144). These hormones have a purpose in the human body, specifically, sustaining blood sugar levels. A simpler method of understanding both hormones is by considering their purpose as being the exact opposite of one another. For instance, the pancreas secretes glucagon when a human is in a fasting state, signifying someone is unfed. On the other hand, insulin is secreted during the body’s postprandial or fed condition (Pathp 144). Ultimately, the glucagon that is released triggers the liver to eject stored glucose, resulting in increased blood glucose (sugar) levels. Insulin, having the reversed effect, acts as an assistant to glucose in order to help it enter into the cells and also support its storage formation (Patho 144). Insulin, partaking in additional purposes, also plays a critical role in boosting free fatty acid storage and intake while also encouraging protein synthesis. By doing this, the body has created its own source of checks and balances to ensure proper function and

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