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Last week's ‪#‎MysteryAnatomy‬ structure was the pancreas.

The pancreas is a glandular organ that is located in the abdominal cavity and just posterior to the stomach. The pancreas, which is about six-inches (15-cm) long, is an organ with dual functions. That is, it functions as both an endocrine and a digestive organ. As an organ of the endocrine system, the pancreas makes and secretes the hormones glucagon and insulin via its pancreatic islets (i.e. Islets of Langerhans). Insulin is secreted into the circulating blood as blood glucose levels rise (as happens after eating a meal). Conversely, glucagon is secreted into the bloodstream when blood glucose levels drop (as happens during sleep or fasting).

As an organ of the digestive system, the pancreas makes and excretes "pancreatic juice." Pancreatic juice is a solution of digestive enzymes excreted into the duodenum (of the small intestine) via the pancreatic duct. The digestive enzymes include proteases, lipases, and amylases which assist in the chemical digestion of proteins, fats, and starches (respectively). [These digestive enzymes are produced in clusters of cells called ascini.]

Inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, is most often associated with recurrent gallstones or chronic alcohol. Pancreatic cancer (which usually does not occur in those younger than 40) can result from excessive smoking, obesity, diabetes, and some genetic conditions. The most common condition associated with the pancreas is diabetes. Diabetes mellitus type-1 is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the pancreatic islets. As a result, insulin cannot be synthesized. Treatment for severe Type-1 diabetes includes insulin injections. Diabetes mellitus type-2 is the most common form of diabetes. Insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion lead to chronic high levels of blood glucose in Type-2 diabetes. Maintenance of Type-2 diabetes includes changes in diet and physical activity levels. These are usually enough to reduce blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.