What is the pancreas, and why is it needed?
What is the pancreas, and why is it needed?Most everyone has heard the anatomical term “pancreas”, but just what is the pancreas, anyway? What is the function of the pancreas, and what happens when it isn’t working properly? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this FAQ.Answer: The pancreas is a glandular organ that is tucked under the stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) in the dog and cat. The pancreas has two main functions: 1) exocrine – to produce the enzymes needed to digest food, and 2) endocrine – to produce hormones, including the hormone insulin, which facilitates the uptake and storage of glucose (sugar) and amino acids (proteins). The pancreas secretes several digestive enzymes (exocrine function), and the principle job of these enzymes is to digest fats and proteins in the food. If this portion of the pancreas is inflamed, a condition called Pancreatitis results
