The pancreas secretes both hormones and digestive juices. A study in the journal, "Pancreas" noted that the acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas produce approximately 2 liters per day of digestive juices. Digestive juices are composed of enzymes...
The spleen is a vascular lymphoid organ that filters the blood and traps any foreign invaders in the white blood cells in the spleen. The spleen also produces the lymphocytes needed by our immune system to initiate a proper attack against...
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency results from the inability of the pancreas to produce adequate amounts of important digestive enzymes. The enzyme insufficiency is often caused by some underlying condition, such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatic...
Lipids are a form of fat that serves as an important structural component of the body's cell walls. Lipids are also stored in tissues and are broken down when the body can no longer utilize glucose. An example of this occurrence is when one...
Pompe disease is a genetic disorder that interferes with proper glycogen breakdown, resulting in muscle weakness, which produces mobility and respiratory problems. Consistent exercise is an important part of Pompe disease treatment because it...
Mucus is a thick fluid secreted by mucus cells that are located in various organs. Mucus acts as a protective barrier and filter by coating the lining of organs to trap foreign substances. When foreign substances become trapped in the mucus, they...
Cystic fibrosis is the most common inherited genetic disorder in the western world. It is a disease that affects both the respiratory and digestive systems. Due to poor nutrient absorption and lack of sun exposure, low levels of vitamin D are...
Ashkenazi refers to a certain ethnic group of Jewish people that are of Eastern European descent. These groups of people are predisposed to certain genetic diseases. These diseases can abruptly shorten life-span and wreak havoc on the body. Most...
Genetic diseases occur when there is a variation or alteration in a gene. Causes of genetic abnormalities include environmental, congenital and gene mutation within the cell that can occur at random. Inherited genetic diseases require a specific...
A person who has a sucrose intolerance cannot digest sucrose, a sugar found in many foods, including fruits. The malabsorption syndrome is termed congenital sucrase-isomaltase ceficiency, or CSID, and may result from a genetic mutation. Symptoms...
An enzyme is a protein that speeds up the rate at which a chemical reaction occurs. Enzymes are substrate specific, meaning that each type of enzyme has a specific type of molecule that it affects. The human body needs enzymes to influence the...
Mucus is a slick fluid secreted from mucus cells that are located inside of the organs in the body. The main function of mucus is to provide protection. Mucus protects by coating the lining of organs and keeping them moist, as well as trapping...
Muscular diseases in babies are generally progressive. Babies may appear normal at birth but then are unable to meet expected milestones or regress in development. Muscular diseases can affect muscles that are vital for sustaining life.
The lysosome is an intracellular organelle (a small compartment within almost each cell) that is necessary for breaking down large molecules (chemical, atomic structure or protein). Molecules need to be broken down either because they were...
Whenever you eat a meal, the nutrients in your food must be broken down so they can be absorbed through the lining of your intestine. This is accomplished by chewing in your mouth, churning in your stomach and the activities of digestive enzymes,...
Hurler syndrome is a condition that affects children and is characterized by the body's inability to produce an enzyme, lysosomal alpha-L-iduronidase, which breaks down long chains of sugar molecules called mucopolysaccharides. These molecules are...
Complex carbohydrate intolerance is an official medical condition, according to the Baptist Health Systems. The gastrointestinal disorder affects million of Americans and is distinguished by the absence of a certain enzyme in the digestive system....
Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that has variable activity depending upon the species of origin. In humans, the most well known form of the enzyme is alpha-galactosidase A, which catalyzes a hydrolysis reaction to remove a specific...
Purpura are purple, red or brown colored patches that appear on the skin, organs and mucous membranes. Purpura occurs when blood leaks from the small blood vessels. Platelets, a type of blood cell responsible for clotting, are often a factor in...
Pancreatitis can be caused by medications, gall stones, surgeries or heavy alcohol use. Learn more about diets for pancreatitis in this nutrition video.
