The pancreas is an essential organ of the digestive system and is responsible for producing hormones and enzymes that help digest food and absorb nutrients. The pancreas is stimulated by hormones released by the digestive tract and some hormones released from other organs in the body.
Hormones Released by the Digestive Tract
The hormones secretin and cholecystokinin are released by the digestive tract and stimulate the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes and other hormones. Secretin is released by the small intestine in response to acidity and stimulates the pancreas to produce bicarbonate, which neutralizes stomach acid. Cholecystokinin is released by the upper small intestine in response to fatty acids and proteins in food and stimulates the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes.
Hormones Released by Other Organs
The hormones glucagon and somatostatin are released by the alpha and delta cells of the pancreas, respectively. Glucagon stimulates the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is used as an energy source in the body. Somatostatin inhibits the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas, preventing the digestive system from overproducing enzymes. Other hormones released by other organs, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, can also stimulate the pancreas and increase the production of digestive enzymes.
Conclusion
The pancreas is an important organ of the digestive system and is stimulated by a variety of hormones released by the digestive tract and other organs in the body. These hormones stimulate the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes and other hormones that help to digest food and absorb nutrients.