pancreas

[ pan-kree-uhs, pang- ]

noun

, Anatomy, Zoology.

1. a gland, situated near the stomach, that secretes a digestive fluid into the intestine through one or more ducts and also secretes the hormone insulin.

pancreas

/ ˈpæŋkrɪəs; ˌpæŋkrɪˈætɪk /

noun

1. a large elongated glandular organ, situated behind the stomach, that secretes insulin and pancreatic juice

pancreas

/ păng′krē-əs /

1. A long, irregularly shaped gland in vertebrate animals that is located behind the stomach and is part of the digestive system. It secretes hormones (insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin) into the bloodstream and digestive enzymes into the small intestine or gut. The pancreas also secretes sodium bicarbonate, which protects the lining of the intestine by neutralizing acids from the stomach.

pancreas

1. A gland behind the stomach that functions in both the endocrine system and the digestive system . Its endocrine function involves the secretion into the bloodstream of insulin , which regulates the level of sugars in the blood . As part of the digestive system, the pancreas secretes into the small intestine a fluid containing enzymes that is used in the digestion of all foods.

Derived Forms

• pancreatic, adjective

Other Words From

• pan·cre·at·ic [pan-kree-, at, -ik, pang-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pancreas¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from New Latin, from Greek pánkreas “sweetbread”; pan- + kréas “flesh, meat”

Word History and Origins

Origin of pancreas¹

C16: via New Latin from Greek pankreas, from pan- + kreas flesh

Example Sentences

Two scientists studying metabolism accidentally discovered that removing a dog’s pancreas caused diabetes—paving the way for the discovery of insulin.

From Slate

This may make it harder to absorb nutrients, increase the risk of bacterial imbalances, and stop the pancreas and liver working properly.

From Salon

Side effects include, external vomiting, fatigue and an inflamed pancreas.

From BBC

Doctors say they have seen dangerous, life-threatening complications such as inflammation of the pancreas in such cases.

From BBC

The paediatrician said she was confused by blood test results that showed Baby F, who died in August 2015, had high levels of insulin but low levels of a chemical called C-Peptide, which is released by the pancreas when it produces insulin.

From BBC