Normal exocrine function and inflammatory diseases of the pancreas

The pancreas is an extremely important organ that plays a key role in the normal digestion of carbohydrates, protein, and fat as well as the neutralization of acidic chyme through the elaboation of a watery, bicarbonate secretion. Its secretions are under the complex control of a variety of sophisticated neural and humoral mechanisms. Unfortunately, its normal physiologic contributions to the digestive process can become greatly perturbed when challenged by various insults that result in inflammation. This chapter highlights its role in digestion and how acute and/or chronic inflammatory processes can markedly disturb this important function.