Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large elongated exocrine gland located behind the stomach: The pancreas is a vital organ in the digestive and endocrine systems. It secretes pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes into the duodenum and produces hormones like insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The surgeon carefully examined the patient's pancreas during the operation.
  • Diabetes can occur when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
  • The primary function of the pancreas is to aid in digestion and blood sugar regulation.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: The term is frequently used in medical, biological, and anatomical discussions.
  • Pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of the pancreas.
  • An MRI scan can provide a detailed image of the pancreas.

Variants and Related Words

• Pancreatic (adj): Pertaining to the pancreas.
  • Pancreatic enzymes are crucial for breaking down fats and proteins.
• Pancreatitis (n): Inflammation of the pancreas.

Synonyms

• Gland: (A broader term; the pancreas is a specific gland.)
• Organ: (A broader term; the pancreas is a specific organ.)

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Pancreas transplant: A surgical procedure to replace a diseased pancreas with a healthy one.
  • He is on the waiting list for a pancreas transplant.
• Pancreatic cancer: A disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the pancreas.
  • Early detection of pancreatic cancer is challenging.
• Endocrine pancreas: Refers to the parts of the pancreas (the islets of Langerhans) that produce hormones.
  • The endocrine pancreas secretes insulin directly into the bloodstream.
• Exocrine pancreas: Refers to the parts of the pancreas that produce and secrete digestive enzymes.
  • The exocrine pancreas releases its juices into the digestive tract.

Noun

1. a large elongated exocrine gland located behind the stomach; secretes pancreatic juice and insulin