Pancreas: Anatomy, Histology and Physiology

Background: Pancreas is a heterocrine organ (endocrine as well as exocrine activity). Greeks were the first to acknowledge pancreas as a distinct organ. It is a J-shaped organ, which comprises head, uncinate process, neck, body and tail. It stretches transversely from the C-loop of the duodenum to the splenic hilum and retroperitoneal at the level of the first and second lumbar vertebrae. Uncinate process is a tiny hook-like extension from the head of pancreas and may be missing in roughly 10%. It has a dual supply from the branches of both the celiac axis and the superior mesenteric artery. It has both exocrine (pancreatic juice from the acinar cells) and endocrine elements (secrete insulin and glucagon hormone). The aim of this review is to give a thorough overview of the morphological, physiological, and histological features of the development of the human pancreas. Conclusion, all professionals who treat problems of the human pancreas must possess thorough knowledge of its development, anatomy, histology, and physiology.