12. The Pancreas

Question 1

What are the differences between an EXOCRINE gland and an ENDOCRINE gland?

Answer 1

EXOCRINE gland:

1. Secrete ENZYMES (which control SHORT-TERM activity)
2. Usually has DUCTS (through which enzymes are secreted)

ENDOCRINE gland:

1. Secrete HORMONES (which control LONG-TERM target organs)
2. NO DUCTS; instead, hormones are secreted DIRECTLY INTO THE BLOOD

Question 2

Pancreas is both:

Answer 2

1. EXOCRINE gland
   (98% of pancreas and is made of: acini, ductules, ducts)
   - Secrete:
   a. Amylase (for digestion of starch or amylose)
   b. Lipase
   c. Peptidase

AND

2. ENDOCRINE gland 
(Arranged into ISLET OF LANGERHANS - cells scattered throughout pancreas)
- Secrete:
  a. Insulin
  b. Glucagon

Question 3

One of the most common features of pancreatic diseases is:

Answer 3

Pain radiating into the back

Question 4

Three parts of the pancreas are:

Answer 4

1. Head (which lies within the loop of duodenum)
2. Midportion (a.k.a. the “body”)
3. Tail (which extends laterally)

Question 5

Explanation of Fig. 12-1:

Answer 5

1. Stomach contains partially digested food, which is a mixture of:
   - Carbohydrates (e.g. amylose or starch)
   - Lipids
   - Proteins
2. These food molecules are digested by the following enzymes from the PANCREAS EXOCRINE glands:
   - Amylase
   - Lipase
   - Peptidase (a.k.a. protease)

–> These enzymes are released through the PANCREATIC DUCT, through the AMPULLA OF VATER, and into the DUODENUM of the small intestine.

3. Separately, the LIVER makes BILE and stores it in the GALLBLADDER, to be released through the COMMON BILE DUCT, through the AMPULLA OF VATER, and into the DUODENUM of the small intestine.

Question 6

What two POLYPEPTIDE HORMONES control the secretion of pancreatic juices, and what are their functions?

Answer 6

1. CHOLECYSTOKININ
   - Controls secretion of INACTIVE amylase, lipase, and peptidase
   - Controls RELEASE of BILE by GALLBLADDER
2. SECRETIN
   - Controls secretion of BICARBONATE (which neutralizes stomach acid in the duodenum)
   - Controls PRODUCTION of BILE by LIVER

Question 7

Which two DUCTS come together to form the AMPULLA OF VATER?

Answer 7

1. COMMON BILE DUCT (from the gallbladder)

2. PACREATIC DUCT (from the pancreas)

Question 8

Which cells are responsible for the ENDOCRINE functions of the PANCREAS?

Answer 8

Cells in the ISLET OF LANGERHANS

Question 9

The most important diseases affecting EXOCRINE PANCREAS are:

Answer 9

1. Pancreatitis
2. Tumors
3. Diabetes mellitus (DM)