What are pancreas? What do they do?

Question

What are pancreas? What do they do?

Answer 1

The pancreas is an organ in your digestive and endocrine system. It secretes insulin to reduce blood sugar levels and secretes protease, carbohydrase and lipase enzymes to break down proteins, carbohydrates and lipids (fats) into amino acids, simple sugars, fatty acids and glycerol after eating.  It is found slightly to the left hand side of your body just above the small intestine.

Answer 2

...a large lobulated gland that in humans lies in front of the upper lumbar vertebrae and behind the stomach and is somewhat hammer-shaped and firmly attached anteriorly to the curve of the duodenum with which it communicates through one or more pancreatic ducts and that consists of (1) tubular acini secreting digestive enzymes which pass to the intestine and function in the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; (2) modified acinar cells that form islets of Langerhans between the tubules and secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon; and (3) a firm connective-tissue capsule that extends supportive strands into the organ

Answer 3

Your pancreas gland secretes insulin regulate your blood sugar. When you eat, and even when you are about to eat or anticipating eating, it starts working.  

Answer 4

The pancreas is an organ in the body which is responsible for secreting hormones such as insulin and glucagon which help stabilize the sugar in the blood. It's situated behind the stomach.  

Answer 5

The pancreas is called the "hidden organ" because it is located deep in the abdomen behind the stomach. About six to eight inches long in the adult, the organ contains thin tubes that come together like the veins of a leaf. These tubes join to form a single opening into the intestine that is located just beyond the stomach.

The pancreas produces juices and enzymes that flow through these tubes into the intestine, where they mix with food. The enzymes digest fat, protein, and carbohydrates so they can be absorbed by the intestine. Pancreatic juices, therefore, play an important role in maintaining good health. The pancreas also produces insulin, which is picked up by the blood flowing through the organ. Insulin is important in regulating the amount of sugar or glucose in the blood.

Answer 6

If you want to have a really easy way to remember the very basic pancreatic functions, listen to Weird Al Yankovic's song, "Pancreas".

"insulin, glucagon, flowing from the islets of longerhon" (sp? I can talk about it, just cant spell the darn thing, lol.)

"you gotta flow flow flow pancreatic juice, flow flow into the duodenum"

it might sound stupid, but its how i passed my biol exam :D

Answer 7

The pancreas is a gland organ in the digestive and endocrine system of vertebrates. It is both secretes pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes and produces several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. It also produces digestive enzymes that pass into the small intestine. These enzymes help in the further breakdown of the carbohydrates, protein, and fat in the chyme.