Liver & Pancreas

Question 1

The liver

Answer 1

-largest gland in the body, divided into several large lobes
-stores vitamins A,D,E,K & B12
-produces bile via the gall bladder to emulsify fats
-important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats
-removes toxins from blood

Question 2

Pancreas

Answer 2

• a pale pink, lobular gland which lies in the ‘V’ of the duodenum
  -an extrinsic gland
  -secretes pancreatic juices which contain digestive enzymes that pass into the small intestine
  -produces bicarbonate which acts as a buffer to neutralise stomach acid
  -secretes insulin to control blood glucose levels

Question 3

Regulation of blood glucose

Answer 3

-needed by cells or respiration
-need to be maintained at a constant level
-too much can lead to death or coma
-regulated by the pancreas in a homeostatic process
-pancreas detects levels then releases hormones to regulate glucose levels in blood

Question 4

Hyperglycaemia

Answer 4

-pancreas detects high blood glucose levels
-insulin is secreted by beta cells
-glycogen secretion decrease
-insulin travels via the blood to the target organ (liver & muscles)
-excess glucose is converted to glycogen by the liver and stored in the muscles-used to make energy

Question 5

Hypoglycaemia

Answer 5

-pancreas detects low blood glucose levels
-glucagon is secreted by alpha cells
-insulin secretion decreases
-glucagon travels via the blood to the target muscles (live & muscles )
-glycogen is converted back into glucose by the liver and muscles- released back into blood