The pericardium is the double-walled fibrous sac that surrounds and encloses the heart and the roots of the great vessels (the aorta, pulmonary artery, vena cavae, and pulmonary veins). It has two main layers: the tough outer fibrous pericardium and the inner serous pericardium, which itself has two layers (the parietal and visceral layers). The … Read more
The pancreas is a glandular organ located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It has two main functions: an exocrine function (producing digestive enzymes released into the small intestine to aid digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and an endocrine function (producing hormones that regulate blood sugar levels, secreted directly into the bloodstream). The … Read more
An organ is a discrete anatomical structure composed of two or more different tissue types that together form a structural and functional unit, performing one or more specific physiological roles. Examples include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, brain, stomach, and intestines. Most organs are part of larger systems (such as the cardiovascular system or respiratory … Read more