M3: The Pancreas Flashcards
A long, slender organ, most of which is located posterior to the bottom half of the stomach
Pancreas
TRUE OR FALSE:
The pancreas plays a singular role.
False. It plays a dual role.
The pancreas serves as an __________ __________ that secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum through ducts.
Exocrine gland
The pancreas also serves as an _____________ __________ that secretes a number of endocrine hormones involved in maintaining blood glucose levels.
Endocrine gland
The pancreas is divided into 3 regions:
Head, body, and tail
The pancreas also has endocrine cells called ____________ ________.
Pancreatic islets
Also known as islets of Langerhans
Pancreatic islets
Secrete hormones directly into the blood (responsible for producing hormones that regulate blood sugar levels)
Pancreatic islets
The endocrine function of the pancreatic islets is carried out by the ________ __ _____________, which secrete hormones.
Islets of Langerhans
The exocrine function is carried out by the _______, which secret digestive enzymes into the small intestine via ducts.
ACINI
The alpha cells secrete ____________ when blood glucose levels are low.
Glucagon
Stimulates liver cells to break down stores of glycogen, releasing glucose into the blood
Glucagon
It also causes the breakdown of glycogen in muscle and the production of glucose from amino acids
Alpha cells
Increases blood sugar between meals, supplying energy to the brain and active muscles
Glucagon
Secrete ________, a hormone that opposes glucagon
Insulin
Lowers blood sugar by stimulating liver, muscle, and fat cells to take up glucose
Insulin
It is the hormone responsible for clearing from the blood all the glucose you get from a meal
Insulin
TRUE OR FALSE:
If insulin fails, blood glucose levels will fall, causing osmotic balance problems in all tissue.
FALSE. Glucose levels will rise.
Lack of proper insulin functioning is easily detected by finding sugar in the urine, which immediately suggests the presence of _____________.
Diabetes
Delta cells secrete the hormone __________________.
Somatostatin
This hormone seems to inhibit the production of insulin, glucagon, hGH, and a host of other hormones from other glands.
Somatostatin
The receptors for this hormone are coupled to G-proteins inside the target cells.
Somatostatin
When somatostatin binds to these receptors, it prevents further processing of hormones through __________/______ ___________ _________________.
G-protein/cAMP second messengers
One of the most serious chronic diseases and one of the highest causes of death, it centers on insulin produced by beta cells.
Diabetes
Diagnosed when hyperglycemia is observed on at least 2 occasions.
Diabetes
TYPES OF DIABETES:
- Usually appears in adulthood
- The cells stop responding to insulin
- Beta cells fail to produce enough insulin
- Combines genetic and behavioral components
Type 2
Downsides of diabetes
- Harms the cardiovascular system
- Impairs blood circulation
- Causes eye, nerve, and kidney damage
- No viable means of treatment for Type 1 diabetes currently
- Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly apparent in younger people
Onset of diabetes can be slowed through:
- A healthy diet and exercise
- Eating in smaller portions
- Reduced exposure to toxic high glucose
- Taking prescribed medication
