5.4. Overview of the Pancreas

Question 1

What are the 4 Areas of the Pancreas?

Answer 1

1. The Head of the Pancreas
2. The Neck of the Pancreas
3. The Body of the Pancreas
4. The Tail of the Pancreas

Question 2

Where does the Head of the Pancreas lie?

Answer 2

This is the C-Shaped part which is adjacent to the Duodenum

Question 3

Where does the Neck of the Pancreas lie?

Answer 3

This connects the Head to the Body of the Pancreas, Posterosuperior to the Duodenum

Question 4

Where does the Body of the Pancreas lie?

Answer 4

This is the main part of the Pancreas which is found Posterior to the Stomach

Question 5

Where does the Tail of the Pancreas lie?

Answer 5

This is Posterior to the Stomach which extends towards the Spleen

Question 6

What are the 2 functions on the Pancreas?

Answer 6

1. The Endocrine Function

2. The Exocrine Function

Question 7

What is the Histological Area of the Pancreas associated with its Endocrine functions?

Answer 7

The Islets of Langerhans

Question 8

What is the action of the Endocrine function of the Pancreas?

Answer 8

To control blood glucose by producing Glucagon, Insulin and Somatostatin

Question 9

What are the names of the parts of the Pancreas associated with its Exocrine function?

Answer 9

1. The Acinar Cells
2. The Intercalated Ducts
3. The Interlobular Ducts
4. The Intralobular Ducts
5. The Main Pancreatic Duct
   The above feeds into the one below

Question 10

Where does the Main Pancreatic Duct enter into the Duodenum?

Answer 10

The Major Duodenal Papilla (aka the Sphincter of Oddi)

Question 11

What is the function of the Exocrine Pancreas?

Answer 11

To secrete Digestive Enzymes into the Duodenum

Question 12

What is the functions of the Acinar Cells of the Pancreas?

Answer 12

To produce the Zymogens (Inactive Precursors) to Digestive Enzymes secreted by the Pancreas

Question 13

Why are the Digestive Enzymes created as Zymogens?

Answer 13

To prevent Auto(Self)-Digestion of the Pancreas

Question 14

What converts the Zymogens into the Active Digestive Enzymes?

Answer 14

Trypsin

Question 15

Where is the Trypsin present in the Duodenum?

Answer 15

On the Brush Border

Question 16

What forms Trypsin on the Brush Border?

Answer 16

An Enterokinase acts on Trypsinogen to convert it into Trypsin

Question 17

What are the functions of the different Ducts in the Pancreas?

Answer 17

1. To transport the Zymogens of the Pancreatic Enzymes to the Duodenum
2. To bathe the Zymogens in Bicarbonate

Question 18

Why is it essential to Neutralize the Chyme before the Pancreatic Enzymes react it?

Answer 18

As Pancreatic Enzymes are denatured at any pH less than 5

Question 19

What, in the Duodenum, secretes Bicarbonate?

Answer 19

Brunner’s Glands

Question 20

Where can Brunner’s Glands be found?

Answer 20

In the Sub-Mucosa of the Duodenum

Question 21

What gene controls Pancreatic secretion of Bicarbonate?

Answer 21

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR ) Gene

Question 22

What controls Duodenal secretion of Bicarbonate?

Answer 22

1. Long (Vagal) Reflexes

2. Short (Enteric Nervous System) Reflexes

Question 23

What controls Pancreatic secretion of Bicarbonate?

Answer 23

The Release of Secretin from S-Cells

Question 24

What are S-Cells?

Answer 24

Endocrine Cells in the Duodenal Mucosa

Question 25

How is the Secretin transported, to reach its target organs?

Answer 25

In the Plasma

Question 26

What are the Target Organs of Secretin?

Answer 26

1. The Stomach
2. The Pancreas
3. The Liver

Question 27

What is the action of Secretin on the Stomach?

Answer 27

It inhibits the production of Gastrin

Question 28

What is the action of Secretin on the Pancreas?

Answer 28

It stimulates the Production of Bicarbonate in the Pancreas

Question 29

What is the action of Secretin on the Liver?

Answer 29

It stimulates the Production of Bicarbonate in the Bile

Question 30

What inhibits Secretin Release?

Answer 30

Acid Neutralization

Question 31

What is the Significance of Acid Neutralization inhibiting Secretin?

Answer 31

It will therefore form a Negative Feedback Loop

Question 32

What causes an increase in Cholecystokinin secretion?

Answer 32

The presence of Fatty Acids and Amino-Acids in the Duodenum

Question 33

What is the target organ of Cholecystokinin?

Answer 33

The Pancreas

Question 34

How does the Cholecystokinin travel to reach its target organ?

Answer 34

Via the Plasma

Question 35

What is the action of Cholecystokinin on the Pancreas?

Answer 35

It increases the Digestive Enzymes secreted

Question 36

What does the Increased release of Digestive Enzymes cause?

Answer 36

An increase in the Flow of Enzymes into the Small Intestine and an increase in the Digestion of Fats and Protein