14.2 Structure And Fuction Of The Pancreas

Question 1

Where is the pancreas found in the body?

Answer 1

Found behind the stomach

Question 2

What is the pancreas’ two main functions in the body?

Answer 2

The pancreas has two main function in the body, as an:

• exocrine gland: to produce enzymes and release them via a duct into the duodenum
• endocrine gland: to produce hormones and release them into the blood

Question 3

Describe and explain the role of the pancreas as an exocrine gland

Answer 3

Most of the pancreas is made up of exocrine glandular tissue. This tissue is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and an alkaline fluid known as pancreatic juice.
The enzymes and juice are secreted into ducts which eventually lead to the pancreatic duct. From here they are released into the duodenum, the top part of the small intestine.

The pancreas produces three important types of digestive enzymes:

• amylases: break down starch into simple sugars
• proteases: break down proteins into amino acids
• lipases: break down lipids into fatty aids and glycerol

Question 4

Describe and explain the role of the pancreas as an endocrine gland

Answer 4

The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin and glucagon [both hormones play an essential role in regulating blood-glucose concentration]

Within the exocrine tissue there are regions of endocrine tissue called islets of Langerhans.
The cells of the islets of Langerhans are responsible for producing insulin and glucagon and secreting these hormones directly into the blood stream

Question 5

When viewed under a microscope, what are the visible differences between endocrine and exocrine pancreatic tissue?

Answer 5

Islets of Langerhans (endocrine tissue - produce and secrete hormones directly into bloodstream): lightly stained appearance, large spherical structure

Pancreatic acini (exocrine tissue - produce and secret enzymes into a duct all stem)- darker Staines, small berry-like clusters

Question 6

State and describe the different cells found within the islets of Langerhans

Answer 6

• alpha cells: these produce and secrete glucagon
• beta cells: these produce and secrete insulin

Alpha cells are larger and more numerous than beta cells within an islet

Differential staining i used to differentiate between the cells within an islet [the beta cells are stained blue and the alpha cells stain pink]