The pancreas is an oblong organ that lies behind the stomach in the abdomen. Its shape resembles a letter "J" that lies on its side with the hook pointing down. The pancreas plays an important role in digestion and has two main functions. It contains specialized (exocrine) cells that produce digestive enzymes which are secreted into the duodenum during digestion. Different endocrine cells secrete hormones such as insulin and glucagon to help regulate glucose metabolism.(1)
During digestion, cells in the epithelial lining of the small intestine release the hormones secretin and cholecystokinin (CCK) which act on the pancreas to stimulate its exocrine cells to produce digestive enzymes and bicarbonate ions. This collective digestive juice flows down the pancreatic ducts into the duodenum to aid the digestion of lipids and proteins.(2)
The exocrine epithelial cells are the cells of origin for most pancreatic tumors. Tumor formation and growth may hinder the ability of the pancreas to deliver its enzymes and digestive fluid into the small intestine and cause a broad spectrum of complications.
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