Pancreas Meaning and Definition
Pancreas
Pronunciation
/ˈpæŋkrəs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A vital organ located in the abdominal cavity, responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels, such as insulin and glucagon.
Examples
- The pancreas is an essential organ in the digestive system.
- The pancreas produces insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
Synonyms
- Endocrine gland
- Exocrine gland
Antonyms
- Salivary gland
- Zymogen gland
Etymology
The word “pancreas” comes from the Greek words “pan” meaning “all” and “kreas” meaning “flesh”, referring to the gland’s location in the abdominal cavity.
Usage Notes
The term “pancreas” is commonly used in medical contexts to describe the organ and its functions. It can also be used in a more general sense to refer to the production of digestive enzymes and hormones.
Cultural References
The pancreas has been featured in popular culture, such as in medical dramas and educational programs.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Related Words or Phrases
Endocrine, exocrine, insulin, glucagon, digestive system
Collocations
pancreas and digestive enzymes, pancreas and blood sugar levels, pancreas and insulin
Frequency of Use
The term “pancreas” is relatively infrequent in everyday conversation but is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
panreas, pancreis, panreus