lecture 16 - pancreatic & biliary function Flashcards
Where do the pancreatic duct and common bile duct meet?
The hepatopancreatic ampulla
What is the function of the bicarbonate produced by the pancreas?
When secreted into the duodenum it neutralises acidic chyme from the stomach, which optimises pH for pancreatic enzymes so they facilitate digestion
What part of the duodenum is most vulnerable to the development of peptic ulcers?
The part more proximal to the ampulla, because it is exposed to acidic chyme that has not yet been neutralised by pancreatic secretions
What are classes of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas?
Amylytic, nucleolytic, lipolytic, proteolytic
What is trypsin?
A proteolytic enzyme that breaks down proteins and peptides
What activates trypsinogen (the proenzyme of trypsin)?
Enterokinase
Which pancreatic enzyme activates other proenzymes once it has itself been activated by enterokinase?
Trypsin
What hormone is released in response to acid in the duodenum, triggering the pancreas to release neutralising secretions?
Secretin
What hormone is released in response to food in the duodenum, and triggers digestive enzyme production and release from the pancreas?
CCK (cholecystokinin)
What are the key components of bile?
Bile pigments, cholesterol, metabolites, bicarbonate, bile salts
What is the term for blockage of a bile duct?
Biliary colic
When is pain usually worst in patients with biliary colic, and why?
After eating, because they blocked duct will attempt to contract to release bile for digestion
What is the term for inflammation of the gall bladder?
Cholecystitis
What causes gall stones?
Saturated cholesterol solution in the gall bladder causes precipitates (stones) to form
Why does biliary obstruction cause jaundice?
Bilirubin accumulates upstream and cannot be removed, leading to increased levels in the plasma and therefore yellowing of the skin, eyes, etc.
