Anatomy and Physiology of Children and Adolescents - M. R. Sapin 2007

The Science of Viscera (Splanchnology)
Digestive System
Pancreas

The Pancreas is located retroperitoneally, transversely relative to the posterior abdominal wall at the level of the I–II lumbar vertebrae. It has a greyish-red color and a lobulated Structure. The length of the pancreas is about 15–20 cm, and its weight is 60–100 g. The pancreas consists of a broad HEAD nestled within the duodenal C-loop, an elongated body, and a tail that reaches the splenic hilum (Fig. 52). The gland is enclosed in a thin Connective Tissue capsule.

The pancreas is a mixed gland. It has an exocrine portion that produces pancreatic juice (500–700 ml per day) and an endocrine portion that synthesizes and releases Hormones into the Blood (such as Insulin and Glucagon) to regulate carbohydrate and fat METABOLISM.

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Fig. 52. The pancreas and duodenum.

Anterior view (the ducts within the pancreatic parenchyma have been dissected, and the anterior wall of a portion of the duodenum is opened):

1 — body of the pancreas; 2 — pancreatic duct; 3 — tail of the pancreas; 4 — head of the pancreas; 5 — duodenum; 6 — major duodenal papilla; 7 — circular folds of the duodenum; 8 — minor duodenal papilla

The exocrine portion of the pancreas is a tubuloacinar gland divided into lobules by delicate connective tissue septa extending from the capsule. These lobules consist of acini shaped like small saccules whose walls are formed by secretory Cells. The secretion (pancreatic juice) produced by these cells flows through intralobular and interlobular ducts into the main pancreatic duct, which opens into the lumen of the duodenum at the apex of its major papilla.

The Endocrine portion of the pancreas consists of clusters of rounded or irregularly shaped cells that form pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans) with a diameter of 0.1–0.3 mm. These islets are embedded within the exocrine tissue of the gland. An adult human pancreas contains anywhere from 200,000 to 1,800,000 pancreatic islets.



Last update: 10/08/2026

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