::e 1- ...J c::c ..... ::e CI z: c::c en ..... CI ..... ;:::., :::::¡ CI OXYGEN DEBT (See METABOLISM) PALMIT/C -Acid- (See LIPIDS I Saturated lipids) PALMIT/C ACID (See LIPIDS / Saturated lipids) PANCREAS A glandular organ located in the upper abdominal cavily, between the stomach and the spine, and in close anatomical relation to the liver and bile ducts. It has an elongated shape, weighs approximately 200 grams, and measures about 20 cm in length. It is typically described as having four parts: the head, neck, body, and tail. The pancreas has a dual secretory function: endocrine (endocrine pancreas) and exocrine (exocrine pancreas). As such, it is part of both the endocrine and digestive -fYSlems. - endocrine óancreas The endocrine component of the pancreas contains highly specialised cells that produce and release key metabolic hormones directly into the bloodstream. These cells are grouped into small functional clusters called isl,ets ef l..angerhans, which are distributed throughout the pancreas, although they are more abundant in the body and especially in the tail. The so-called B or beta cel/s (/J) produce insulin, a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels after meals (a hypoglycaemic hormone). Another important hormone for glucose regulation is g:lucag_on, produced by A or alpha cells (a) in the is/,ets ef l..angerhans. This hormone increases blood glucose levels (a hyperglycaemic hormone) when needed, for example during fasting. Both hormones also have opposing effects on protein and lipid metabolism: insulin stimulates the synthesis of proteins and lipids, whereas glucagon promotes tl1eir breakdown into amino acids and fatry acids, respectively. Other cell types in the islets produce additional hormones: somatostatin (from D or delta -8- cells) and pancreatic polypeptide (from F or PP cells). These mainly regulate digestive functions such as gastric and intestinal motility, and the absorption, transport, and use of nutrients by body cells. Together, these hormones coordinate ilie activity of the organs involved in digestion, ensuring interaction and functional integration. This regulation is essential for main-
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