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Physiology of the Pancreas

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Surgical Diseases of the Pancreas and Biliary Tree

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Abstract

The pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ containing both exocrine and endocrine function. The key functional unit of the exocrine pancreas is composed of an acinus and its drainage ductule. The pancreas has been the major model used to demonstrate the mechanisms of synthesis and transport for exportable proteins. The fundamental function of exocrine pancreas is to synthesize and secrete digestive enzymes for the processing and assimilation of a meal and transport the digestive enzymes in a ductal system secreting large volumes of a bicarbonate-rich solution. Pancreatic enzyme secretion is primarily coordinately regulated through the neurohormonal pathways. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the pancreas can lead to loss of normal tissue and the inability of the pancreas to secrete sufficient amounts of enzymes for normal digestion and absorption. Also, loss of exocrine pancreatic tissue from surgical procedures can result in pancreatic insufficiency and nutrient malabsorption. This chapter will present a concise illustration of the current understanding of pancreatic physiology and the clinical implications resulting from disease of the pancreas and pancreatic surgery.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Digestive Diseases, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Richard Hu

  2. Department of Biological Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Robin Hu & Stephen J. Pandol

Authors
  1. Richard Hu
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  2. Robin Hu
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  3. Stephen J. Pandol
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Correspondence to Richard Hu .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Gastrointestinal Surgery, Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, India

    Savio George Barreto

  2. Professor of Surgery, HBP/Upper GI Surgeon, Auckland City Hospital, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    John A. Windsor

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Hu, R., Hu, R., Pandol, S.J. (2018). Physiology of the Pancreas. In: Barreto, S., Windsor, J. (eds) Surgical Diseases of the Pancreas and Biliary Tree. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-8755-4_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-8755-4_3

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