The normal size of the pancreas
The pancreas is an organ outstretchedForm, covered with a thin shell and having a gray-pink color. She takes an active part in digestion and controls sugar in the blood.
Location and structure of
The pancreas has a very convenient location in terms of topographic and anatomical structure. It is located in the upper part of the abdomen and "hides" behind the stomach.
It is conditionally divided into three parts. The first part is called the head, peeks out from behind the stomach and is covered by a loop, which forms the duodenum. The second part is central, it is also called the calf, is behind the stomach( hence, in fact, the name of this organ).Between these two organs is a stuffing box. But the back part - the tail, has an arcuate shape and densely rests against the spleen.
The pancreas consists of a number of lobules that contain a secret. Between them are nerve endings and blood vessels. Through the entire length of the organ stretches the pancreatic duct, which facilitates the movement of the secretion from the endocrine part.
The peculiarity of the structure of the gland are acinar cells, which contribute to the production of protein secretions. And these acinar cells consist of a dozen epithelial cells, the connection of which takes place through ducts and secretory capillaries.
Indicators of the standard
The pancreas size, the norm of which indicates the healthy and normal functioning of this organ, can be measured by ultrasound and computed tomography.
Pancreas has different sizes in children and adults. In children at birth, this organ normally has a length of not more than 5.5 cm. During the first year of life, the length of the pancreas increases to 7 cm, while the organ head can already be 1 cm in volume.
The subsequent 9 years of iron in children is growingMore in quiet mode. During this time, it increases 2 - 3 times, and by 10 years can reach 13 - 15 cm. But during puberty, the size of the body increases dramatically. For several years it increases by 5 - 8 cm. And after majority, the gland reaches its maximum peak in its development and slows down its growth. Thus, both in women and men, the pancreas does not normally exceed 24 cm in length and 3 cm in width, and the head circumference does not exceed 5-7 cm.
Any deviations from these norms in children and adults may indicate serious abnormalitiesIn the work of the gland and the development of pathologies that need urgent treatment.
To see and measure
To palpate the body and measure its size is not possible due to its location. But with the help of ultrasound and computer tomography, you can not only see the pancreas, but also accurately measure its size.
However, for this, the patient needs to occupy various poses in order to open a so-called window, through which it is possible to examine individual parts of the pancreas. So to study the head, the patient just needs to lie on his back. But for the study of the body or tail, you may need to move the patient's body on its side or into the position of a half-sider. Thus, the organs move, squeeze and, as it were, promote the protrusion of the gland, which allows it to be examined in more detail from all sides.
Each doctor examines and assesses each section of the gland separately. After that, we can conclude about the pathological changes.
Indications for ultrasound
Ultrasound in children and adults is only performed if there is a suspicion of the development of pathological changes in the pancreas. Because of incorrect introduction of a way of life and the big inclusion in a diet of harmful foodstuff, more often at patients the pancreatitis is observed.
It can be of two forms - chronic and acute. Therefore, additional indications for ultrasound are the patient's complaints. As a rule, when acute form of the disease worried, severe pain that occurs immediately after eating. But with a chronic form of pain, there is a noisy character in the lower part of the abdomen.
In addition, the indicator for carrying out ultrasound in children and adults can be:
- jaundice of the skin;
- Diabetes mellitus, which occurs against the background of disruption of the pancreas;
- various disorders of the digestive system, which alternate with constipation and diarrhea;
- for pain in the liver, as the work of these organs is closely related to each other;
- a feeling of discomfort in the stomach even after eating a small amount of food.
Ultrasound examination requires specific preparation of the patient. The thing is that for the diagnosis is necessary "empty" organs, in which there is no food and air, as this distorts the image displayed on the monitor and can cause the wrong diagnosis.
Therefore, the study is recommended in the morning and on an empty stomach. At the same time, a minimum of 12 hours of hunger strike is necessary. And for 1 - 2 days before ultrasound, the patient should completely exclude foods that can provoke fermentation in the intestine.
