Functions of the pancreas in the human body: hyperfunction, hypofunction and dysfunction
The pancreas is an important organ that plays a leading role in the body's work.
Its value is 16-22 cm, and its weight is about 70 grams. This gland is located behind the stomach and has an elongated shape. The structure of this organ is quite difficult. It consists of three parts: head, body and tail. The head is in the twist of the duodenum. The head of the pancreas is separated from the body by a vein.
The structure of the body of the gland, which has the shape of a triangle: it distinguishes three surfaces( anterior, posterior and lower), as well as three edges with similar names. The structure of the tail: it has the shape of a cone and reaches the dole.
The pancreas is also divided into two functional parts: endocrine and exocrine.
The endocrine area consists of cells that are called the islets of Langerhans. These islets are able to synthesize various hormonal substances.
The exocrine portion includes the acinus located in the pancreas fractions, the duct system for secreting the secretory fluid and the main pancreatic duct.
The role of the pancreas
The pancreas exerts an external and internal secretion.
The main, exocrine function of the pancreas is the allocation of pancreatic juice, and is performed exocrine glands. The second, no less important function of the pancreas is its endocrine function, namely: the secretion of glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, polypeptide and ghrelin into the blood.
Let's consider in more detail what functions this gland performs.
Humoral
The humoral function of the pancreas plays a huge role in the digestion process. Due to this function, the necessary substances enter the various organs. Transportation of biological elements is carried out after the food that has entered the human body is split into its components.
Humoral regulation is carried out on the basis of hormones secretin and pancreosimin, which are produced in the duodenum, then, with the help of pancreatic juice, the necessary enzymes are activated.
This function is very important because it allows you to regulate the amount of digestive juice. It is important not only for the digestive system, but also for the vital activity of the whole organism as a whole, because through it the substances are transported to the rest of the organs.
Digestive
Digestive, or, in another way, the exocrine function of the pancreas manifests itself in the secretion of pancreatic( pancreatic) juice. About 700 cm³ is released per day.
The main constituent of this juice is organic enzymes, which are divided into two groups: proteinase and carboypeptidase. They contribute to the splitting in the human body of incoming food into separate elements.
As for the digestive function of the pancreas, it can be considered the main function of this organ.
The exocrine function of the pancreas is carried out on the basis of the substances entering the body. The composition of pancreatic juice according to the activity of enzymes always corresponds to the type of food taken.
This principle is based on the doctrine of separate nutrition. In order to make it easier for the body to produce a certain kind of juice, the proponents of separate nutrition recommend eating only those products at the same time, for the cleavage of which the same enzyme composition is required.
Endocrine
The endocrine function of the pancreas, or intrasecretory, is to provide a sufficient amount of hormones in the human body. Hormones are synthesized in special parts of the pancreas, called islets of Langerhans.
The islets of Langerhans consist of various cells, each type of which secretes a certain kind of hormone into the blood. Alpha cells secrete glucagon, beta cells - insulin, delta cells - somatostatin, D1 cells secrete VIPs, and PP cells - pancreatic polypeptide.
The intrasecretory function of the pancreas is as important as the exocrine function, since the normal functioning of various organs in the human body depends on it.
How are the diseases manifested?
The importance of this or that function of the pancreas is felt by a person only when there is any disturbance in the work of this organ. Pancreatic dysfunction occurs, most often, due to an incorrect lifestyle, for example, excessive consumption of alcohol or sweet.
Violation of the work of this body manifests itself either suddenly, or the symptoms grow gradually. Symptoms of the disease are manifested in shingles under the scapula or in the intercostal area, and also in the form of burning pain. Dysfunction can manifest as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Painful sensations can have both permanent character and paroxysmal.
Symptoms of the disorder of the endocrine function are manifested in increased weight, decreased activity of the brain, diabetes and other disorders.
Other disorders
Other disorders include hypofunction and hyperfunction.
Hypofunction is the most common disorder in the work of this body. It is a harbinger of the onset of diabetes. It arises much more often than hyperfunction, from the fact that the body is lowering the level of the hormone insulin necessary to maintain the optimal level of glucose in the blood. Symptoms: general weakness and fatigue, a sharp decrease or the same sharp set of body weight, severe headaches, constant thirst and rapid urination.
Treatment is prescribed only after a thorough examination of the body by an endocrinologist.
Hyperfunction is a fairly rare type of disease. Its symptoms are somewhat similar to the symptoms of hypofunction. Hyperfunction manifests itself in apathy, drowsiness and weakness.
Treatment should be started as soon as possible. If treatment does not start on time, the disease will progress, there will be new symptoms: convulsions, tremor in the hands, fainting, weight gain in a very short time.
Hyperfunction is detected based on the result of the analysis.
Acute pancreatitis
This disease occurs suddenly. The beginning is provoked by the reception of alcoholic beverages. This disease can also develop due to some concomitant diseases of the gallbladder or duodenum.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis: acute pain in the right and left hypochondrium, nausea and repeated vomiting. The pain is most often shrouded in nature, gives in the back, the left side of the chest or lower abdomen. It can be eased only in one position: leaning forward from the sitting position. The pulse increases, the pressure rises.
Treatment of acute pancreatitis occurs in a hospital. If the treatment is not timely, the disease can go on into a chronic form.
Chronic pancreatitis
This is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas. The reasons for it are the same as in acute pancreatitis. As the disease develops, the gland tissue becomes smaller. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis: a series of acute conditions and relatively calm. At the beginning of the disease, the period of remission is long enough, but if the treatment is not performed in a timely manner, attacks of acute pain occur more often.
To provoke the onset of pain, fatty, too salty or fried foods, and also alcohol can be produced. It is almost impossible to remove pain in the pancreas with analgesic tablets.
As the disease develops, new symptoms appear: constipation, diarrhea, flatulence and bloating. Then diabetes can develop.
It is very important to recognize pancreatitis on time and begin treatment. Recognize it is quite difficult, because the symptoms of this disease are often similar to other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Tumors
Tumors are divided into two types: hormonal and cancerous( malignant).
Three of the most common tumors: insulinoma, producing excessive amounts of insulin, gastrinoma, producing gastrin, and carcinoid tumors.
The pancreas is a very important organ in the body. From his correct work depends the person's well-being, his life activity. The main thing is the timely treatment of diseases and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.
