pancreas

/ˈpæŋkɹɪəs/

Meanings

noun

A gland near the stomach which secretes a fluid into the duodenum to help with food digestion. The fluid contains protease, carbohydrase and lipase, which breaks down larger molecules into smaller pieces. The pancreas also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon which regulate blood sugar. These hormones are released into the cardiovascular system.

Examples :

"My uncle's doctor said his pancreas was not functioning properly, so he needed to adjust his diet to help it produce the necessary enzymes for digestion. "

Related Words

hormones noun

/ˈhɔrmoʊnz/ /ˈhɔrmənz/

Any substance produced by one tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to another to effect physiological activity.

"During puberty, teenagers experience many physical and emotional changes because their bodies are producing more hormones. "

secretes verb

/sɪˈkriːts/ /siˈkriːts/

(of organs, glands, etc.) To extract a substance from blood, sap, or similar to produce and emit waste for excretion or for the fulfilling of a physiological function.

"The pancreas secretes insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels. "

duodenum noun

/ˌdjuːə(ʊ)ˈdiːnəm/ /ˌduəˈdinəm/

The first part of the small intestine, starting at the lower end of the stomach and extending to the jejunum.

"The doctor examined the patient's duodenum to see if any ulcers were present in the first part of the small intestine. "

functioning verb

/ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/ /ˈfʌŋkʃnɪŋ/

To have a function.

"The coffee maker is functioning properly this morning, so I can have my coffee. "

glucagon noun

/ˈɡluːkəɡɒn/ /ˈɡlukəˌɡɑn/

A peptide hormone, produced by the pancreas, that opposes the action of insulin by stimulating the production of sugar

"When her blood sugar dropped too low during the marathon, the runner's body released glucagon to raise it back to a safe level. "

contains verb

/kənˈteɪnz/

To hold inside.

"The box contains my old toys. "

cardiovascular adjective

/ˌkɑːrdioʊˈvæskjələr/ /ˌkɑːrdioʊˈvæskjəlɚ/

Relating to the circulatory system, that is the heart and blood vessels.

"Regular exercise is important for maintaining good cardiovascular health. "

produces verb

/pɹəˈdjuːsɪz/ /pɹəˈdusɪz/

To yield, make or manufacture; to generate.

"Our apple tree produces a lot of fruit every summer. "

necessary noun

/ˈnɛsəsɹɪ/ /ˈnɛsəˌsɛɹi/

(usually with the definite article) A place to do the "necessary" business of urination and defecation: an outhouse or lavatory.

"The school's new addition includes a modern necessary. "

digestion noun

/daɪˈdʒɛstʃən/

The process, in the gastrointestinal tract, by which food is converted into substances that can be utilized by the body.

"Proper digestion is important for getting enough energy for school. "

molecules noun

/ˈmɑːlɪkjuːlz/ /ˈmɒlɪkjuːlz/

The smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains the chemical properties of that element or compound; two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

"Hydrogen chloride is a diatomic molecule, consisting of a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom."

protease noun

/ˈpɹəʊtɪeɪz/

An enzyme that cuts or cleaves proteins.

"The protease in my stomach helps digest the protein in my food by breaking it down into smaller pieces. "