| Acute pancreatitis is a rapidly-onset inflammation of | | | | enzymes into the small intestine through a tube called |
| the pancreas. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the | | | | the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help digest fats, |
| pancreas. The pancreas is a long gland, located behind | | | | proteins, and carbohydrates in food. The pancreas |
| the stomach, that secretes digestive enzymes and | | | | also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into |
| the hormones insulin and glucagon. The pancreas is a | | | | the bloodstream. These hormones help the body use |
| large gland behind the stomach and close to the | | | | the glucose it takes from food for energy. Acute |
| duodenum. The duodenum is the upper part of the | | | | pancreatitis usually occurs as a result of alcohol abuse |
| small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive | | | | or bile duct obstruction. |