The Exocrine Part of the Pancreas is the Primary Target for Pathological Changes

Abstract

There is physiological distinction between the endocrine and exocrine compartments of the pancreas although these are spatially related. The close structural association between these compartments of the pancreas has functional and pathologic significance in health and disease. The exocrine pancreas that secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the duodenum can be affected by disorders like pancreatitis (inflammation), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and pancreatic cancer. These alterations may interfere with its regular absorption and digestion functions. In this issue, Alkhatib (2024) discusses different aspects of the pancreas highlighting that the exocrine part of the pancreas is a primary target for various pathological changes. Further research is needed to learn more about the relationship between the identified pathological abnormalities and changes in exocrine function, changed pancreatic size, and pancreatic cancer risk.