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Pancreas Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pancreas

[หˆpรฆล‹kriษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy organ

The pancreas is a glandular organ located in the abdomen. It plays a crucial role in digestion by producing digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. The pancreas also helps in the digestion of food by secreting these enzymes into the small intestine.

Examples of usage

  • The pancreas produces insulin needed to regulate blood sugar.
  • An inflammation of the pancreas is known as pancreatitis.
  • Doctors often check pancreatic function in patients with diabetes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The pancreas is about 6 inches long and is located behind the stomach.
  • It has both exocrine and endocrine functions, meaning it produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin.
  • Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is essential for controlling blood sugar levels in the body.

Health

  • Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed, which can cause severe abdominal pain and other health issues.
  • Diabetes is closely related to pancreatic function, as the insulin it produces regulates sugar levels in the bloodstream.

Science

  • The pancreas plays a vital role in metabolism by converting food into usable energy.
  • It releases enzymes into the small intestine to help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Cultural Significance

  • In some traditional medicine systems, the health of the pancreas is linked to emotional well-being, particularly stress management.
  • Food choices and lifestyle are often emphasized in discussions regarding pancreas health in holistic health communities.

Origin of 'pancreas'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'pancreas,' meaning 'all fleshy,' referring to its soft texture.
  • In ancient times, the pancreas was often linked to the digestion process, as it produces enzymes crucial for breaking down food.

The word 'pancreas' comes from the Latin word 'pancreas', which originates from the Greek 'pankreas' (ฯ€ฮฑฮณฮบฯฮญฮฑฯ‚). In Greek, 'pan' (ฯ€แพถฮฝ) means 'all' or 'entire', and 'kreas' (ฮบฯฮญฮฑฯ‚) means 'flesh' or 'meat', which describes the pancreas as the 'all-meat' organ. Historically, the term was used by physicians in ancient times when the function of this organ was not completely understood. The pancreas was recognized for its unique texture and function within the digestive system. Over time, the importance of the pancreas in regulating blood sugar levels through insulin production was discovered, leading to a deeper understanding of its role in diseases such as diabetes. The study of the pancreas has evolved through centuries, significantly impacting the field of medicine and our understanding of human biology.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,192, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.