14.2- Structure And Function Of Pancreas

Question 1

Pancreas location and function

Answer 1

• found in upper abdomen, behind stomach.
• major role in controlling blood glucose concentration, and in digestion.
• is a glandular organ meaning its role is to produce and secrete hormones and digestive enzymes.
• both endocrine and exocrine

Question 2

Role of pancreas as an exocrine gland.

Answer 2

To produce enzymes and release them via a duct into the duodenum.
- pancreas is mainly made up of exocrine glandular tissue which is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and pancreatic juice (alkaline fluid).
- these are secreted into ducts which lead to pancreatic duct.
- then released into the duodenum (top part of small intestine).
Pancreas produces 3 important digestive enzymes:
1. Amylase.
2. Proteases.
3. Lipases.

Question 3

Role of pancreas as an endocrine gland.

Answer 3

To produce hormones and release directly into blood stream.

• within exocrine tissue there a small regions of endocrine tissue called islets of langerhans.
• they are responsible for producing insulin and glucagon and releasing them directly into bloodstream.

Question 4

Islets of Langerhans

Answer 4

Within the islets of Langerhans are different types of cell.

1. Alpha cells- produce and secrete glucagon.
2. Beta cells - produce and secrete insulin.

• a-cells are larger and more numerous than b-cells

Question 5

Differences in the endocrine and exocrine tissue of the pancreas

Answer 5

Islets of Langerhans: (endocrine)

• lightly stained.
• large spherical structures.
• produce and secrete hormones.

Pancreatic acini: (exocrine)

• darker stained
• small berry like clusters
• produce and secrete digestive enzymes.

Question 6

How can a and b cells be viewed.

Answer 6

Dofferential staining.
alpha-cells : pink
beta-cells: blue