Pancreas, artificial
A machine that constantly measures glucose (sugar) in the blood and, in response to an elevated level of glucose, releases an appropriate amount of insulin. In this respect, the machine functions like a natural pancreas.
Read Also:
- Pancreatectomy
A surgical procedure in which part or all of the pancreas is removed.
- Pancreatic
Having to do with the pancreas.
- Pancreatic alpha cell
A type of cell found in areas within the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans. Alpha cells make and release glucagon, which raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
- Pancreatic beta cell
A type of cell in the pancreas that makes insulin. The pancreas is a fish-shaped organ that stretches across the back of the abdomen behind the stomach. Within the pancreas there are areas that are called the islets of Langerhans. The beta cells constitute the predominant type of cell in the islets. The beta cells […]
- Pancreatic cancer
A malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a ‘silent’ disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms. If the tumor blocks the common bile duct, and bile cannot pass into the digestive system, the skin and whites of the eyes may become yellow (jaundiced), and the urine may become […]