309 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits taining stable blood glucose levels and other components, as well as storing excess nutrients and making them available to organs when required, whether after eating, during periods without food, or even during prolonged fasting. · beta cells Endocrine cells of the pancreas located in the islets of Langerhans, which secrete insulin and amylin, another hormone released simultaneously in response to the same stimuli, and with similar functions. Beta cells are the most numerous within the islets of Langerhans, accounting for approximately 70% of all endocrine cells in the pancreas. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly destroys beta cells (an autoimmune reaction), leading to a loss of insulin production and a significant rise in blood glucose levels. (See the introduction of this topic) · Islets of Langerhans See the introduction of this topic. - exocrine pancreas; exocrine compartment; exocrine fraction The exocrine pancreas plays a vital role in the digestive process. Its secretion, known as pancreatic juice, consists of a bicarbonate-rich aqueous component and an enzymatic component. This juice is released into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), together with bile. Its function is to help the body digest and absorb nutrients from food. Bicarbonate neutralises the stomach acids entering the duodenum.The secretions from the exocrine glands of the pancreas contain enzymes that break down food (digest). The main enzymes are: trypsin, which digests proteins from meat, fish, eggs, etc.; amylase, which digests carbohydrates such as those in sugar, bread, pasta, rice, etc.; and lipase, which breaks down fats (such as oils, dairy products, meat, etc.). Bile is involved in the digestion of fats beforehand. It is produced continuously by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, and released during food intake. It plays a key role in fat digestion by emulsifying fats. Once emulsified, fats are digested by pancreatic and intestinal mucosal enzymes. The digestion of these biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats or lipids) releases their basic units (amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids), which are then absorbed in the intestine, enter the bloodstream, and reach the tissues to be used or stored. Pancreatic disorders can lead to serious health problems. The main ones include pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, which has a very poor prognosis, and tumours developing in the endocrine component of the pancreas. - pancreatitis Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It can be acute, appearing suddenly and lasting a few days, or chronic when it persists over time. Acute cases are often caused by gallstones that block the duct carrying pancreatic secretions to the duodenum. A common cause of chronic pancreatitis is excessive alcohol consumption, although other causes also exist. Mild cases usually improve with treatment, but severe pancreatitis can lead to life-threatening complications. Common symptoms include intense upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, along with nausea and vomiting. In chronic cases, symptoms may also include weight loss and other issues depending on the underlying cause.
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