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Pancreas

Pancreas

The pancreas, an essential organ in the human body, is a pinkish-gray elongated structure located posterior to the stomach. It extends laterally from the duodenum towards the spleen and is firmly bound to the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity. The organ's surface has a lumpy, lobular texture that gives it a unique appearance.
The broad head of the pancreas lies within the loop formed by the duodenum, while its slender body reaches towards the spleen. The tail of the pancreas is short...

Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas

Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas

The pancreas, a vital organ within the abdominal cavity, plays dual roles in the digestive and endocrine systems, collaborating with exocrine and endocrine cells to maintain optimal digestion and blood sugar levels.
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...

Pancreatic Juice and Secretion

Pancreatic Juice and Secretion

Pancreatic juice is a clear fluid produced by the pancreas, containing water, salts, sodium bicarbonate, and enzymes vital for digestion in the small intestine. It helps break down large molecules, facilitating nutrient absorption.
When acidic chyme from the stomach enters the duodenum, it triggers the release of secretin, a hormone that prompts pancreatic juice secretion. After a fatty meal, cholecystokinin, another hormone, stimulates gallbladder contraction and enhances enzyme-rich...

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Author Spotlight: Revolutionizing Pancreatic Disease Understanding Through Advanced Intravital Imaging

Author Spotlight: Revolutionizing Pancreatic Disease Understanding Through Advanced Intravital Imaging

Published on: October 6, 2023

[VIPoma of the Pancreas].

Andreas Steck¹, Christian Nebiker², Joël Capraro^1,3

¹Abteilung für Allgemeine Innere Medizin, Spital Zofingen, Zofingen.

|September 1, 2021

Summary

A VIPoma (vasoactive intestinal peptide tumor) of the pancreas caused chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and hypokalemia in a patient. Surgical removal of the pancreatic tumor led to a full recovery.

Keywords:

Neuroendocrine Tumor Neuroendokriner Tumor des Pankreas VIPom WDHH syndrome chronic diarrhea chronische sekretorische Diarrhö

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Isolation of Proximal Fluids to Investigate the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

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Published on: November 5, 2020

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Endocrinology
Surgical Oncology

Background:

VIPoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that secretes vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).
VIPoma syndrome is characterized by severe secretory diarrhea, hypokalemia, and dehydration.

Observation:

A 50-year-old male presented with progressive chronic diarrhea, significant weight loss, and recurrent hypokalemia.
Diagnostic work-up included a thorough medical history, clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.

Findings:

A diagnosis of VIPoma of the pancreas was confirmed.
The patient underwent a successful pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure).

Implications:

This case underscores the importance of a systematic diagnostic approach for chronic diarrhea.
Early identification and surgical management of VIPoma can lead to complete patient recovery.