5.1.4 Structure And Function Of The Pancreas

Question 1

What is the function of the pancreas

Answer 1

It has two main functions:

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 2

What does exocrine tissue do?

Answer 2

Pancreas made up of exocrine glandular tissue mainly. It produces digestive enzymes and an alkaline fluid known as pancreatic juice. The enzymes and juice are secreted into ducts which eventually lead into the pancreatic duct, and there into the duodenum

Question 3

What are the three important digestive enzymes released by the exocrine ?

Answer 3

Amylases: breaks down starch into simple sugars. E.g. pancreatic amylase

Protease: breaks down proteins into amino acids. E.g. trypsin

Lipases - breaks down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol. E.g. pancreatic lipase

Question 4

What does endocrine gland do?

Answer 4

Pancreas also needs to release insulin and glucagon. They have essential role in controlling blood glucose conc. These are controlled by the islets of langerhans.

Question 5

Islets of langerhans histology

Answer 5

Lightly stained

Large spherical clusters

Endocrine pancreas

Produces hormones

Question 6

Pancreatic acini

Answer 6

Darker stained

Small berry like clusters

Exocrine pancreas

Produces digestive enzymes

Question 7

What do alpha and beta cells do

Answer 7

Alpha secrete and produce glucagon

Beta secrete and produce insulin

Alpha are more large and numerous that beta in islet.