Much like a comma lying on its side, the pancreas extends slightly upward, becoming narrower and narrower.
The pancreas is roughly the length of the handabout six inches long.
Two types of gland comprise the pancreas, each with very different but vital functions.
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Theexocrine gland, which runs the entire length of the pancreas, secretes digestive enzymes.
Theendocrineportion of the pancreas is made up of groups of cells call the islets of Langerhans.
Function
The pancreas plays key roles in two important functions in the bodydigestion and blood sugar control.
These functions are performed independently.
In turn, this can damage the pancreas, itself, as well as other organs in the area.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic canceris particularly dangerous because it is usually only caught in a very late stage.
As such, those with it require insulin injections to survive.
Blood glucose is sometimes used in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
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