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Pancreatitis
Background
The pancreas is a gland situated deep in the abdomen, lying behind the stomach, that secretes digestive juices into the duodenum (the first part of the intestine) and this helps with the break down of food into the small molecules that can be absorbed by the body's digestive system. It also secretes insulin into the bloodstream to keep the concentration of glucose in the blood at the right level (endocrine function).
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, its own enzymes are released into the blood, as well as within the organ itself. Although the highly active enzymes are usually contained in protected ductal areas, in the inflamed pancreas they start to 'digest' the pancreas itself causing further inflammation.
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