MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, AND PATHOLOGY - Ya.I. Fedoniuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

CHAPTER 7. THE DIGESTIVE PROCESS AND ITS PATHOLOGY

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS

PANCREAS

The Pancreas is an unpaired organ located posterior to The Stomach on the posterior abdominal wall at the level of the First and Second lumbar vertebrae, consisting of a HEAD, body, and tail. The head lies to the right within the duodenal loop, the body abuts the posterior wall of the stomach, and the tail extends into the left hypochondrium, contacting the visceral surface of the Spleen (Fig. 7.22 - see Appendix). The length of the gland is approximately 12-15 cm. Peritoneally, it lies extraperitoneally (covered by the Peritoneum anteriorly and inferiorly). Externally, the gland is covered by a Connective Tissue capsule. It is structured into lobules whose Cells secrete pancreatic juice, which enters the descending part of the duodenum via the excretory duct. The Endocrine Part of the Pancreas is represented by cells arranged as islets (of Langerhans), which secrete Hormones directly into the Blood (see "Endocrine glands"). Thus, the pancreas is a gland of mixed secretion.

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Fig. 7.22. Interrelationship of the duodenum and pancreas with Internal Organs



Last update: 08/08/2026

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