Essay On Pancreas

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Type 1 Diabetes and the Artificial Pancreas
The pancreas is a long flattened gland located deep in the abdomen that is vital part of the digestive system and a critical controller of blood sugar levels (“The Pancreas”).
The pancreas is two glands that are combined into one organ. The majority of the pancreas is composed of exocrine cells that produce enzymes to help with food digestion. The exocrine cells release their enzymes into a series of tubes, or ducts, that join together to form the main pancreatic duct (“Functions of the Pancreas”). The main pancreatic duct runs the length of the pancreas and drains the fluid produced by the exocrine cells into the first part of the small bowel, or duodenum (“Functions of the Pancreas”). The second functional component of the pancreas is the endocrine pancreas, which is composed of small islands of cells, and as a result of their appearance are called the islets of Langerhans (“Functions of the Pancreas”). These endocrine cells they
When the blood glucose levels rise, insulin is released into the bloodstream by the islets of Langerhans (“How Does the Pancreas Work?”). The insulin is then able to transport sugar from the blood into the cells of the body, so that it can be converted into energy for the cells to use. Insulin can also keep the liver from producing more sugar, which has the effect of lowering blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are too low, the pancreas releases glucagon into the bloodstream, which acts as an antagonist to insulin, causing liver cells to release stored sugar and convert proteins into sugar to make them available as another source of energy (“How Does the Pancreas Work?”). The flow of glucagon is then stopped when blood glucose levels rise to a safe

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